CAPE TOWN – Nyanga police opened a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident on Monday 29 June at Emms Drive in Nyanga, where a 35-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded.

Police respond to crime scene

Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said officers attended the crime scene where they found the victim with gunshot wounds to his body.

“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. According to reports, unknown suspects entered the barbershop and demanded money from the victim before he was shot. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested,” said Twigg, adding that the motive for the attack is believed to be extortion-related.

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Community leader speaks out

A community leader who refused to be named for fear of harassment reiterated Twigg’s sentiment that they suspect that the incident was motivated by extortion. He stated that the March and March campaign has had no impact in the township.

“According to what I have heard, it seems a group of men came into his barbershop and demanded money. I don’t know whether he refused to give them money or he didn’t have it – either way, they shot him. He died on the spot,” said the leader, adding that the deceased was a foreign national.

Call for government action

He said they are concerned about the escalation of crime in their community, particularly extortion. He urged the government to tighten its policies against criminals.

“If the government can remove the rights of criminals and deal with them decisively, then we will see change. We need a strong government. This extortion will never end, instead it will only become worse,” he stated.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.