Somali businessman stabbed to death in South Africa

A Somali businessman has been stabbed to death by South African gangs inside his business premises in Vrygtrond, near Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town.

The man named as Suleiman, was stabbed several times in the neck by the gang, and died of his injuries.

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, said Muizenberg police attended the scene in Vrygrond Avenue at 3.45pm on Monday and found the body of the man, known to residents as Sulaiman.

“Upon arrival at the crime scene in Vrygrond Avenue, they found the body of a 31-year-old man who sustained stab wounds to his body.

“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel.

A shocked 34-year-old male resident said: “We were standing across the road when we saw the two guys walk into the shop and then we saw them run out again with bags.

“After they ran away, we heard somebody shouting and then we saw Sulaiman lying on the ground.

“People tried to help him but he was already dying because it looked like the guys stabbed him in the neck and there was a lot of blood on the floor.”

“Two unidentified men entered the building, stabbed the victim, and then fled in an unknown direction, carrying a large amount of cash” another nearby businessman, who refused to be identified told MTVSomali.com.

According to South African newspapers, South African police arrived at the scene and removed the body of the man, but were unable to apprehend the killers.

Earlier this week, Abdullahi Hassan Mohamed Hilowle, a Somali national, was shot dead by robbers at his shop in Retreat, about 36km from the majority Somali populated neighborhood of Bellville in Cape Town.

A resident in the area said that before the killing, the gangs demanded money from him but he had refused, firing several shots and looting his shop.

South African police officers went to the scene of the killing, conducted an investigation, but were unable to apprehend the assailants.

The killings has seen an increase in attacks on foreign national by gangs in South Africa.

“We may have to pack our bags and leave South Africa altogether” said one resident, who spoke to MTVSomali.com with anonymity. 

“This country has gotten really dangerous and you cannot own a business unless armed” he concluded. 

So far this year alone, almost 30 Somali businessmen have been killed in South Africa, and the South African government has failed to address the targeted killings or listen to the plea from the business community in South Africa.

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