Foreign shop owner in ICU after shooting
Police are still searching for a suspect after a Somalian man, Abiib Ahmed Warsame (34), was shot and nearly killed in Thembalethu on Saturday 3 October. "A case of attempted murder has been opened for further investigation following the incident in Asazani, Thembalethu at approximately 21:15," said Southern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Malcolm Pojie. The matter was only reported the following day after the victim, who is the owner of a spaza shop in Thembalethu, was hospitalised.
According to the police the victim was allegedly driving away from his shop when a man suddenly appeared in front of his vehicle and shot at him.
"The projectile hit the victim in his face and the suspect fled the scene. He is still at large. Police were dispatched and forensic experts combed the scene for clues and evidence," said Pojie.
Warsame was transported to hospital in a critical condition and later transferred to the Groote Schuur hospital in Cape Town where he is still receiving medical treatment. In September this year another foreign national, Demene Gidube from Ethiopia, was also shot and killed in his spaza shop in Thembalethu. According to information on the streets there is a gang in the area which goes to shops demanding so-called protection fees and if shop owners don't pay R500 per month they are allegedly threatened with their lives.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thembalethu detectives on 044 802 8950, 079 894 1576 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be dealt with confidentially.