CAPE TOWN, (HAN) — A Somali national was shot and killed on Wednesday night in Khayelitsha, one of Cape Town’s largest and most crime-affected townships, according to authorities.
The victim, identified as Ismail Abuukar, was a young Somali businessman well-known within the Western Cape’s Somali community. Police said he was attacked inside his business premises in Khayelitsha by armed assailants who fled immediately after the shooting.
Officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) responded shortly after the incident and launched a preliminary investigation. So far, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not released details regarding possible suspects or motives.
Khayelitsha has witnessed a surge in violent crime, including armed robberies and shootings that frequently target small business owners. Community leaders have repeatedly voiced concern over the lack of security and called for increased police patrols to protect vulnerable traders.
The killing of Abuukar has sent shockwaves through the Somali community in Cape Town, which remains tightly knit and deeply engaged in local commerce. Authorities have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation.
