CAPE TOWN – Nyanga police registered a murder and two counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident at a supermarket at Ngulube Road, Browns Farm, Philippi.
The incident occurred on Wednesday 15 October at 13:27.
Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk said a 40-year-old man had died in the shooting, which also left two others wounded, and they were taken to a nearby hospital.
“According to reports five unidentified males entered the shop and randomly started shooting inside the shop,” he said. “The motive for this incident is yet to be established; however, extortion-related activity has not been ruled out as a possible factor.” Van Wyk added that the unknown suspects fled the scene and they had yet to be arrested.
Community leaders, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said they were shocked by the incident. He said the shop owners in the townships are not safe these days. He said the unknown men entered at Sunduza Supermarket and randomly shot and killed the shop owner and injured two people.
“I’m not sure if the two people injured were working there or were customers. I suspect the incident is extortion-related. The extortionists are targeting Somali-owned shops. It is a pity we may not get the information because no-one wants to talk. People are scared to speak out.”
He urged the community to come forward and report any wrongdoing at the nearest police station.
