Residents from Kraaifontein in Cape Town are living in fear after an elderly woman was shot and killed on Tuesday night, August 20. It is believed she was murdered after refusing to pay a protection fee.
The 64-year-old makhulu was well-known in the area as she used to sell cooked meat at the traffic circle popularly known as Emaplankeni. Allegedly, makhulu was approached by the protection fee demanding that she pays them. It is not clear how much was she supposed to pay but a vendor who spoke to Ezitshisayo said they pay according to the size of their businesses. 
“If you run a saloon you pay R800, those who sell chicken feet it is R200 but many business people are are paying R500. Makhulu’s business was big and it was always busy but we don’t know how much did they want her to pay,” said the vendor.
Another vendor said makhulu who was selling selling cow head, intestines, and offals, had been harassed by a gang demanding protection fees. One local claimed vendors were forced to pay fees to multiple gangs, which made it financially difficult for them.
“You pay this group on the 15th and another group comes and demand money the following day. At the end we pay lots of money to these people and we will be left with nothing. Many vendors have left the streets because of that,” said the vendor.
A community leader, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, urged authorities to address the issue of protection fees, which are reportedly widespread in the area.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that the 64-year-old woman was shot in the head. The incident is under investigation, with suspects yet to be identified or arrested.
“The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on the corner of Maroela and Ntongabini Streets, Wallacedene, Kraaifontein on Tuesday, 20 August 2024 where a 64-year-old female was shot and fatally wounded are under investigation.
“According to reports police members responded to a complaint of a shooting and upon arrival on the scene, they found the victim with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. A murder case was registered for investigation,” said Swartbooi.