CRIME SCENE: Bonteheuwel, Cape Town: Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie has called on people to stand united against criminality following the fatal shooting of a local spaza shop owner on Monday, 13 July 2026.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I have learned of the fatal shooting of a well-known local spaza shop owner, affectionately known throughout our community as Umar, earlier this evening at his shop in Assegaai Avenue, Bonteheuwel.

“I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Umar’s family, friends, loved ones and the many loyal customers whose lives he touched through his kindness and service to our community,” said McKenzie.

The councillor said at this stage he could not confirm whether this tragic incident is directly linked to the shooting of another spaza shop owner in A Block a few days ago.

“However, I can confirm that over the past several weeks, my office has received numerous reports that spaza shops in A Block have been targeted by criminal elements demanding ‘protection money’.

“All indications point towards an organised extortion racket targeting businesses within our community.

“I want to make it absolutely clear, Bonteheuwel cannot and will not become a community where hardworking business owners are terrorised by gangsters seeking to profit through fear and intimidation.

“As a community, we must stand united against criminality. We cannot allow gangsters to dictate who may operate a business or to destroy livelihoods through fear and violence. The only way we will defeat extortion is if victims and witnesses work together with law enforcement by reporting these crimes and refusing to be intimidated.

“My office will continue engaging with SAPS, the City’s enforcement agencies and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that every available resource is directed towards bringing those responsible to justice and protecting the businesses that serve our community,” said McKenzie.