Lentegeur police say the circumstances surrounding a fatal stabbing incident at a local BP Garage on Sunday are under investigation, amid reports that the victim, identified as Diego Soldaat, was either mistaken for an active shooter or that he was simply buying sweets for his five children when he was killed.

Lentegeur police attended to a complaint at about 19:50 near the corners of Lavender Street and Eisleben Road, where they found the body of a 34-year-old man who sustained stab wounds to his body.

Soldaat was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.

The unknown suspects fled and have yet to be arrested. Police say the motive for this attack is being investigated, and they have appealed to anyone with information to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

According to initial reports on the incident, Soldaat ran away when he heard gunshots in the area on Sunday evening.

Die SON reports that a group of men allegedly thought he was the shooter and chased him in a car, eventually finding him at the BP garage, where they attacked him and fled.

Gunshots are a regular occurrence in the Mitchells Plain precinct, with at least five shooting deaths reported over the weekend.

Family members who wish to remain anonymous told the publication that Soldaat was targeted due to mistaken identity.

Meanwhile, The Daily Voice reports that the father of five was stabbed to death outside the garage shop, after buying sweets for his children.

Soldaat’s brother, Luke, told the news outlet that his brother was not affiliated with any trouble or gang activity.

Luke says they are heartbroken, as Diego also leaves behind his parents and five siblings.

Tributes have poured in on social media from family and friends, as questions remain unanswered as to why Diego was targeted in this brutal manner.

*This article has been updated, following an error that crept into the headline, referring to Lavender Hill, instead of Lentegeur.