Cape Town – A 55-year-old Mauritian national has been murdered in what is believed to be a targeted hit outside a shopping centre in Table View on Saturday, leaving local residents and shoppers in shock. The incident occurred outside the Food Lovers Market at the Emporium Shopping Centre on Sandown Road, drawing a large crowd as police and paramedics cordoned off the scene surrounding a black Lexus.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially released, was a passenger in the vehicle when the shooting took place. According to a witness, the driver of the Lexus had just parked and entered the shopping centre when an armed man approached the passenger side of the vehicle and opened fire.
"He fired several shots and then fled the scene," the witness stated.
A security guard at the shopping centre described the ensuing panic as gunshots echoed through the area, sending shoppers running for cover.
"It was chaos," he said. "I went outside to record videos in case I'm asked to testify in court. This was definitely a hit – he was the target."
Multiple bullet holes were visible in the passenger-side window and windscreen of the luxury vehicle, which had KwaZulu-Natal registration plates. Images obtained by Celeb Gossip News show at least nine bullet holes on the passenger side of the car – four in the front and five on the left-side window.
Police and local community safety groups quickly secured the area as onlookers gathered, many expressing their disbelief and concern.
According to a police source, the victim's cellphone was stolen during the attack, although authorities have not confirmed whether robbery was the primary motive.
The unharmed driver of the Lexus appeared visibly shaken and informed police that the victim was Muslim and needed to be buried as soon as possible, in accordance with Islamic tradition, which typically calls for burials to be carried out within 24 hours to honour the deceased.
"The body will be taken for autopsy, then you can have it," the investigating officer was heard saying, acknowledging the religious requirements.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, who was present at the scene, confirmed that the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime detectives were actively pursuing leads in the case.
"Reports suggest that unknown gunmen opened fire on the occupant of a vehicle in a parking area on Sandown Road, Table View," said Swartbooi. "The 55-year-old Mauritian national did not survive the onslaught. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested."
Swartbooi added, "Provincial Serious and Violent Crime detectives are hard at work pursuing leads in a bid to apprehend those responsible for the death an adult male on Saturday."
Investigators are currently exploring all possible motives, but the prevailing theory is that the shooting was a targeted assassination.
David Harris of the Table View Community Police Forum echoed this sentiment, describing the incident as an isolated but "targeted hit".
Harris stated: "This was an isolated incident and very unusual for Table View. The response by medics and others to secure the scene was impeccable but the community sentiments are clear, everyone was shocked."
He continued, "We know that he is from Mauritius and was in the passenger seat when the shooting happened. As things stand we trust SAPS will get to the bottom of what this is really about. We were informed that a cellphone was taken but we doubt this was a robbery. It appears that this was a targeted hit and that the deceased may have been followed."
A Daily Voice source provided further insight, stating: "There is almost no information on who this guy is or what he is doing in Cape Town. He was a passenger in the vehicle and the driver went inside the shop. Three suspects, one of which was armed, arrived and fired multiple shots at the passenger side of the car and they fled. There are talks that a cellphone was taken but nothing is clear."
The lack of information surrounding the victim's presence in Cape Town has fuelled speculation and intrigue, with many questioning the circumstances that led to his violent death.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
