A 36-year-old foreign national has been identified as the victim of a fatal shooting at Walker Drive Shopping Centre yesterday, with police confirming the incident appears to have been a targeted attack rather than a robbery.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg identified the deceased as Ghulam Mustafa Jan, clarifying that he was a family member visiting the shop, not the owner as initially reported.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:36 yesterday morning when a lone suspect entered the shopping centre carrying a black backpack. Witnesses inside the centre reported hearing four gunshots shortly after the suspect’s arrival.
“The suspect exited the shop still carrying the backpack and fled on foot,” said Janse Van Rensburg. “Community members and private security guards gave chase as the suspect ran towards the bushes along Walker Drive.”
The South African Police Service was immediately alerted, and with assistance from community members and private security, the suspect was quickly apprehended.
“Upon arrival at the scene, SAPS Kabega Park members found the 36-year-old foreign national in the shop with multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene,” Janse Van Rensburg explained.
Police recovered a firearm with ammunition and the backpack carried by the suspect during the arrest.
Investigators confirmed that nothing was stolen during the incident, leading police to believe this was a targeted attack rather than a robbery attempt.
“The motive for the attack is unknown and will form part of the ongoing investigation,” Janse Van Rensburg stated.
The suspect is currently detained on a charge of murder and is expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court during the week.
Walker Drive Shopping Centre management released a statement today expressing their condolences and providing reassurance to the community.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred at Walker Drive Shopping Centre yesterday,” the statement read. “We would like to reassure our community that this was not an attempted robbery and appears to have been an isolated, targeted incident.”
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We also wish to apologise to the many shoppers, especially families with children, who may have been distressed by what they experienced or heard,” the statement concluded.
ALSO READ: Suspect arrested within minutes after fatal shooting at Gqeberha shopping centre
