Two spaza shops have been targeted in different communities in Cape Town, leaving three people dead, one of whom was a well-known Somalian national, with the incidents linked to protection money and extortion.
Police were called to the first scene in Langrug, Franschhoek, where two men were found wounded following a shooting at a spaza shop.
They later died in hospital.
Police spokesperson, Ndakhe Gwala, said: “Provincial Serious Violent Crime detectives are investigating two counts of murder following a shooting that occurred at a spaza shop in Lavender Street, Langrug, on July 13. Franschhoek police responded to reports of a shooting at about 7:30pm, and on arrival, they found two adult males who had sustained gunshot wounds.
“They were transported to a medical facility for treatment and later declared deceased.
“Further investigation revealed that two more people were shot and seriously injured in the same incident. Attempted murder cases have been registered for investigation.
“The motive for the shooting is extortion-related, and the suspects are yet to be arrested. Anyone with information about the incident is kindly requested to contact the extortion toll-free number on 0800 31 44 44.”
In a second incident on the same day, police arrived at the tragic scene in Assegaai Street, Bonteheuwel, where a Somalian shop owner, fondly known as “Umar”, had been shot and killed.
Police say the motive behind the attack will form part of the investigation, as it is believed to be linked to extortion and protection money.
Police spokesperson, FC Van Wyk, said: “On July 13, at about 7:52pm, Bishop Lavis SAPS members attended a shooting incident at a shop in Assegaai Street, Bonteheuwel.
“Upon members’ arrival, the body of a 31-year-old male was found inside the shop. The deceased was lying on his back and sustained one gunshot wound to the chest. He was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.”
Police say Umar was still serving customers when he was attacked.
“Anyone with information regarding this murder or who knows those involved in these extortion activities is kindly requested to come forward.”
Bonteheuwel ward councillor, Angus McKenzie, shared that Umar was well-loved in the community.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I have learned of the fatal shooting of a well-known local spaza shop owner, affectionately known throughout our community as Umar, at his shop in Assegaai Avenue, Bonteheuwel,” he said.
“At this stage, I cannot confirm whether this tragic incident is directly linked to the shooting of another spaza shop owner in A Block a few days ago, who fortunately survived.
“That investigation remains the responsibility of the South African Police Service.
“However, I can confirm that over the past several weeks, my office has received numerous reports that spaza shops in A Block have been targeted by criminal elements demanding so-called “protection money.
“Based on the information available at this stage, there is no indication that this attack is related to xenophobic violence. Rather, all indications point towards an organised extortion racket targeting businesses within our community.
“I want to make it absolutely clear, Bonteheuwel cannot and will not become a community where hardworking business owners are terrorised by gangsters seeking to profit through fear and intimidation.
“I therefore make an urgent appeal to every business owner who has been threatened or extorted: please do not pay extortion demands.”
