Khayelitsha spaza shop workers gunned down during bread delivery
Two foreign nationals were gunned down on Friday afternoon in Harare, Khayelitsha, while offloading bread at a spaza shop.
The incident took place in Gaya Street at around 3.30pm, where a 24-year-old Malawian male and a 35-year-old Somalian male were approached by three unknown armed suspects and gunned down in broad daylight.
It is alleged that the killing might be linked to extortion, as gangs in the area are demanding protection money from small business owners.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.
Van Wyk reported: “This office confirms that Harare police registered two counts of murder following a shooting incident that occurred at Gaya Street, Harare, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at about 3.30pm.
“Police responded to reports of a shooting, and upon arrival, they found the bodies of a 24-year-old Malawian male and a 35-year-old Somalian, both with gunshot wounds on their upper bodies.
“According to reports, the deceased were offloading a bread delivery when three unknown suspects came and opened fire, then fled. The motive for the shooting is unclear at this stage, and no arrest has been made.”
Ward councillor Anele Gabuza said that some of these killings are linked to extortion.
Gabuza explained: “The issue of extortion is ongoing. We are trying to tackle the issue as we have patrollers and Neighbourhood Watch members who are working together with the South African Police Service so that we can prevent crime and violence in our respective ward.”
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Related Topics: