CBD shooting highlights safety concerns

The victim was shot and wounded while she was seated in her car

AN ATTEMPTED murder and robbery investigation is under way after an attempted hijacking in Buitengragt in the city centre yesterday.

A suspect shot the driver before fleeing.

Police spokesperson Andre Traut said the victim was shot and wounded while she was seated in her car.

“She was approached by a male suspect who demanded her belongings before firing a shot in her direction.”

The suspect has not been arrested as yet, Traut added.

Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association chairperson Osman Shaboodien said the incident was worrying, especially that it happened in the city centre during daylight.

“We don’t know the circumstances, but it looks like the victim was parking on the side of the road when she was attacked.

‘‘We are concerned that this has happened. We are hoping that this was an opportunistic attempt, not a hit.

“In the CBD people should feel safe because there are security guards all over and buildings are equipped with CCTV monitors.”

He said drivers and pedestrians needed to be careful of their surroundings and be alert at all times.

Central Cape Town Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Nicola Jowell said it was rare to experience such a incident in the CBD. “It is an isolated incident and it is rare for such an incident to happen.

‘‘My feelings are that it was an opportunistic act. We have engaged with the police on this to prevent such an incident from happening again. It is very concerning.”

She said there were several CCTV cameras on the street where the incident happened. “Police will make a breakthrough soon,” she said.