The Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie, has dismissed claims that the fatal shooting of a foreign national who owned a spaza shop in the area was linked to xenophobic attacks.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that it is investigating a case of murder following the fatal shooting of a 31-year-old man on Monday night.

“Bishop Lavis SAPS members attended to 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 had sustained one gunshot wound to the chest. He was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.”

SAPS confirmed that the deceased was serving customers when he was gunned down.

“Upon further investigation it was found that deceased was serving customers when several shots were fired at him by unidentified suspects. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction.”

McKenzie confirmed that this is the second attack targeting a spaza shop in the area. However, he said he cannot confirm whether the two incidents are related.

“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 SAPS.”

McKenzie stressed that the incident has no connection to ongoing xenophobic attacks, adding that extortion may be behind the attacks.

“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.”

SAPS has not established a motive for the shooting at this stage.

McKenzie further appealed to business owners threatened by extortionists not to succumb to their demands.

“Please do not pay extortion demands. Every incident must be reported immediately to SAPS. While reporting these crimes may seem daunting, silence only strengthens those responsible. I also appeal to anyone who has information regarding this murder, or who knows those involved in these extortion activities, to come forward. Your information could be the key to preventing further violence and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”