Heideveld, Cape Town – A 19-year-old State witness, Moegamat Mushfeeq Floris, was brutally murdered in Heideveld on Tuesday night, just hours after giving testimony in a murder trial. The teen was allegedly targeted by an alleged hitman of the Fancy Boys gang.
The shooting occurred at approximately 7:35 pm in front of his home, according to police spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett.
"The shooting happened at 7.35pm where the 19-year-old male was gunned down in front of his home," Bennett confirmed. "It is alleged that the teenage male is a witness in a criminal case which he was due to testify on 5 February 2025."
According to eyewitnesses, Mushfeeq was sitting with his girlfriend on the corner near his house when the attack occurred. "We came home and he was sitting on the corner with his girlfriend when they came to shoot him," his mother, Fazlin, explained.
As the assailants opened fire, Mushfeeq attempted to escape, jumping over a neighbour's wall. "He jumped over the neighbour’s wall while trying to flee and according to eyewitnesses his assailant continued firing shots," Captain Bennett stated.
Tragically, he succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. "He collapsed but managed to crawl to the neighbour’s door when he couldn’t anymore. I ran to him and he died in my arms," Fazlin recounted, her voice filled with grief.
Captain Bennett confirmed that the victim was a State witness. "The victim was sitting in front of his house with friends when they came under attack and several gunshots were fired at him," he added. "He succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds to his upper body."
The suspect fled the scene on foot, and police have opened a murder case for investigation. As yet, no arrests have been made.
Mushfeeq's family is devastated by his death. His mother, Fazlin (47), is struggling to cope with the loss of her only son. "Mushfeeq is my only son and he has three sisters who are devastated," she said.
Mushfeeq had testified in the Wynberg Regional Court on Tuesday, and was due to be cross-examined the following day. "On Tuesday, we went to Wynberg Regional Court where he gave his testimony," Fazlin explained. "They were supposed to carry on but the defence lawyer asked for a postponement to Wednesday so they can cross-examine him."
Despite the risks, Mushfeeq had declined witness protection. "They did ask him at court and he said he was fine. I asked him again at home and he reassured me that he is OK with being at home," Fazlin added.
His parents described him as a helpful and hardworking young man. "He was my helper around the house and most days he spent doing odd jobs with his father to clean bins and other things so we can have food," Fazlin said.
The family is heartbroken that their son was targeted. "As a family we are devastated and can’t believe they target innocent children who are not gangsters," Fazlin lamented.
Police are appealing to anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact Manenberg SAPS on 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
