Western Cape Police Oversight MEC Anroux Marais has warned the public against taking the law into their own hands following the fatal shooting of an unidentified man during an alleged robbery in Bellville on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

Durbanville police are investigating two counts of robbery and an inquest after the man was shot and killed.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), they received a complaint of a stationary vehicle on Eversdal Road at around 10:30.

“On arrival, officers found the body of an unidentified adult male inside the vehicle. He had sustained gunshot wounds.”

According to police, the deceased and other suspects who fled the scene were allegedly involved in street robberies in the Bellville and Durbanville areas. It is understood that the suspects were robbing their second victim when a bystander opened fire.

“As they were robbing their second victim, a bystander who had a licensed firearm in his possession opened fire and the suspects drove away. They came to a halt at Eversdal Street and the other suspects fled on foot, leaving the deceased in the vehicle,” SAPS said.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

Marais says the fact that the firearm was licensed does not mean the shooting was lawful.

“In this incident, the fact that the firearm was licensed does not automatically make the shooting lawful, nor does it mean that the shooter will necessarily face criminal charges. If the investigation establishes that the force used was unlawful, the person involved could face legal consequences. The public is urged not to take the law into their own hands. Where confronted with a robbery or other violent crime, people should prioritise their own safety and that of others, avoid unnecessary confrontation where possible, and immediately alert SAPS.”