Suspects sought in fatal Somerset West shooting

A 42-year-old man was shot and killed after three gun-wielding suspects attacked him in Somerset West on Monday.

A 42-year-old man was shot and killed after three gun-wielding suspects attacked him in Somerset West on Monday.

Published Oct 7, 2024

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A 42-year-old man was shot and killed after three gun-wielding suspects attacked him in Somerset West on Monday.

The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage.

Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said the incident is under investigation.

“Somerset West Serious and Violent Crime Detectives are hard at work pursuing leads in a bid to apprehend the suspects who are responsible for the death of 42-year-old man on Monday.

“Reports suggest that three unknown armed men opened fire at around 7am on the victim, a Sotho foreign national in Lourensford Street in Somerset West.

“The victim did not survive the onslaught on his life and was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel,” said Swartbooi.

The motive for the attack will form part of the investigation by police.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, two foreign national men aged 24 and 25 were expected in the Stellenbosch Magistrates Court on Monday on charges of kidnapping and extortion.

Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said the men were nabbed by a multi-disciplinary Anti-Kidnapping Task Team comprising the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, DPCI and Crime Intelligence following the kidnapping of a 20 year old woman.

“(On October 3) at approximately 2:40am a 20-year-old victim walked from a restaurant in Plein Street, Stellenbosch to her residence, which is within walking distance. An unknown vehicle with two occupants stopped, and kidnapped the victim. During the course of events the suspects demanded a ransom from the family of the hostage. The family immediately paid the money where after the victim was released on October 4. She was immediately taken for medical examination. A case of kidnapping and extortion was opened for investigation.

“Information was followed up and a vehicle of interest - a black BMW - was identified during preliminary investigation. Licence Plate Recognition System was activated and the vehicle was successfully traced to the George area. Two foreign national males aged 24 and 25 were found in the vehicle and detained for further investigation. An undisclosed amount of cash was found in the car including the phone used,” said Van Wyk.

Cape Times