An accused in a multi-million Rand drug trafficking case in Cape Town, has reportedly been shot and killed just weeks after turning state witness.
Western Cape police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said Kensington police responded to a shooting at a property in 1ste Street at about 15:50 on Wednesday.
A 37-year-old man was gunned down outside his home.
“According to reports the victim was outside the mentioned address, when a gold in colour vehicle drove pass. The same vehicle later returned to the mentioned address, and two unidentified males alighted the vehicle positively armed with firearms. The victim ran into the premises and the suspects followed him, while shooting at him. He was shot multiple times and was later declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,” said Van Wyk.
Media houses later identified the victim as Christopher Carelse, who was previously implicated in a drug trafficking case involving former bank manager Raed Cupido.
Cupido and Caresle were arrested in June and July last year, respectively, after police uncovered cocaine with an estimated street value of R18 million at a storage facility in Roeland Street in the Cape Town CBD.
It is understood that Carelse had recently agreed to cooperate with authorities and was released about two weeks ago, before he was killed.
This operation on 10 June 2025, was led by the Anti-Gang Unit Crime Intelligence and Provincial Organised Crime Detectives, who discovered the drugs, and firearms such as AK-47 rifle, an Uzi, five 9mm pistols and ammunition in the storage facility. The matter is said to be linked to an internation drug cartel.
Cupido is still on trial at the Cape Town Regional Court for this.
READ MORE: Cocaine worth an estimated R18 million seized in Cape Town CBD
Meanwhile, police are trying to establish the motive for Wednesday’s fatal shooting. No arrests have been confirmed yet in connection with Carelse’s murder. Police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
