CRIME SCENE: Strand, Cape Town: The owner of a panel beat workshop in the Strand, was brutally shot in cold blood inside his business on Wednesday evening, 20 May 2026.

Reports indicate that the 40-year-old Ben Zandamela, owner of Ben Panel Beaters, and his employees were busy working around 18:00.

Thembakazi Mpendukana of the Western Cape police media office said two unknown males entered the premises and started shooting at the victim.

“Strand SAPS members responded to a complaint regarding a shooting incident that occurred at the panel beat shop in Smith Street, Strand. He was declared deceased on the scene, and no other injuries were reported,” said Mpendukana.

According to reports both suspects have been described as African males. Following the shooting, they fled in a white vehicle that had been waiting outside.

Zandamela is originally from Mozambique. 

A murder case was opened for further investigation, and no arrest has been made yet, said Mpendukana.

MISDAADTONEEL: Strand, Kaapstad: Die eienaar van ‘n paneelklop-besgheid in die Strand is Woensdagaand, 20 Mei 2026 koelbloedig doodgeskiet.

Volgens berigte was die 40-jarige Ben Zandamela, eienaar van Ben Panel Beaters, en sy werknemers omstreeks 18:00 binne die werkswinkel besig om te werk.

Thembakazi Mpendukana van die Wes-Kaapse polisie se media kantoor sê twee onbekende mans het die perseel binnegegaan en op die slagoffer geskiet.

“Strand SAPD-lede het gereageer op ‘n klag rakende ‘n skietvoorval by die paneelklop-werkswinkel in Smith-straat, Strand. Hy is op die toneel dood verklaar, en geen ander beserings is aangemeld nie,” het Mpendukana gesê.

Volgens berigte is beide verdagtes as African-mans beskryf. Na die skietery het hulle in ‘n wit voertuig gevlug wat buite gewag het.

Zandamela is oorspronklik van Mosambiek.

‘n Moordsaak is vir verdere ondersoek geopen, en geen arrestasie is nog gemaak nie, het Mpendukana gesê.