Philippi-East police are investigating a case of murder and arson following an incident at the corner of Sheffield Road and Somi Crescent, Lower Crossroads where an unknown man was allegedly gunned down after he set alight a Somali-owned shop on Friday, 20 February.
Police response
Provincial police spokesperson Const Ndakhe Gwala said the officers responded to a complaint and on arrival they found a shop engulfed in flames.
“According to reports an unknown man came to the store at around 12:30 demanding money from the new owner. When the shopkeeper refused, the deceased threw a petrol bomb inside the shop and fled on foot. His body was found a few meters away from the shop with gunshot wounds on his upper body, face, and arm,” said Gwala. She stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrest has been made.
Possible motive
A Community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment, claimed the incident was extortion related. “The issue of extortion in our communities is a problem. It is all over. According to the information that we received from the friends of the shop owner they said the deceased went to the shop to collect the money and the shop owner refused, out of anger the deceased torched the shop,” explained the leader.
Investigation status
However, he said it is not clear who shot and killed the deceased. He urged that the law take its course and that no stone be left unturned.
