By Horn Africa News
DURBAN — A young Somali businessman was shot dead Sunday night in Durban in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, in what community leaders describe as another targeted attack against Somali traders.
The victim, Abdi Hussein Fiidoow, also known as Abdi Jaqaf, was killed shortly after leaving evening prayers at a mosque in a Somali-majority neighborhood, according to local Somali traders. Witnesses said unknown assailants opened fire before fleeing.
South African police confirmed an investigation is underway, but Somali community members expressed frustration, citing past killings that produced little accountability.
Somali traders across the country have long reported being frequent targets of armed robberies, shootings, and xenophobic attacks. Despite repeated government pledges to protect foreign nationals, attacks continue with impunity, say community leaders.
The killing has reignited memories of Somalia’s historical support for South Africans during apartheid, including advocacy at the United Nations and providing travel documents to South African leaders.
“Today, it is heartbreaking that our citizens are being killed in South Africa while simply running their businesses and living peacefully,” said a Somali community elder in Durban.
