Residents of Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, Cape Town, are in fear following a violent shooting that left three Somali shopkeepers dead, and six others hospitalized on Friday evening, August 16.
The incident occurred around 7 pm on Nelson Mandela Road. Witnesses reported that gunmen targeted several spaza shops, including the KwaNdosi spaza shop, where one witness described seeing a man shot while she was inside buying groceries. She fled the scene after seeing the man bleeding and heard further gunshots inside the shop.
“I was horrified and ran away. It was shocking to see this happening in front of our children who were sent to the shop by their parents,” said the witness, who wished to remain anonymous.
When Ezitshisayo arrived at the scene on Saturday, KwaNdosi spaza shop remained closed. Residents indicated that another shopkeeper was found dead on the street near Supemanda Spaza Shop after being shot while trying to escape.
A Somali shopkeeper from the area expressed deep concern over the violence. “We are scared because we don’t know the reason behind this attack. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before something happens to me,” he said.
Community leaders were reluctant to speak on the record due to safety fears. One suggested the shooting might be related to extortion, as the violence occurred a day after protection fees are typically collected.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut confirmed the incident, stating that provincial detectives are investigating. “Unknown gunmen opened fire at three spaza shops in Molokwane Street, resulting in the deaths of three men and injuries to six others. The motive for the attack is under investigation,” Traut said.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app anonymously.