Police yet to make arrests in Alex businessman’s murder case
Local police have launched a murder investigation following the fatal shooting of a businessman in Alexandra.
The police in Alexandra are investigating a case of murder, following the brutal killing of a businessman.
The 42‑year‑old victim was shot near the corner of 15th Avenue and Joe Nhlanhla Street (formerly John Brandt) on December 19 around 22:30. He was certified dead at the scene.
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Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane, corporate communications co-ordinator in the Johannesburg district, said the motive behind the killing is not yet known, and that no one has been arrested. “We are appealing to community members with information regarding the incident, or any information that might assist the police investigation, to contact their nearest police station.”
Residents in the area described the victim as somebody who was always peaceful and jubilant, someone who, they said, would not bother anyone.
Resident Dikeledi Kgwadi said when she heard the gunshots, she initially thought it was fireworks, since it is that season of the year, but later realised the businessman had been shot. “We used to feel safe, back when we had patrollers and CPF each and every day, but now we don’t see them anymore.”
She said patrollers and some CPF members were more active and visible in the area at the beginning of the year until mid‑year, but since then, they have not been as visible as they used to be.
Also read: Police hunt for suspect in death of woman in Alex
Alex News understands that the formal structure of the Alexandra CPF was disbanded in July, leaving, what residents argue, is a gap between them and the local police.
However, in previous interviews with the publication, local station commander Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane said that there is no such gap, and that police tried to maintain visibility and conduct community meetings after the disbandment.
Residents, however, insist on the gap. “We used to feel safe enough to go to work around 04:00 in the morning, but now we don’t anymore.”
She said safety concerns are heightened, especially around this time of the year when crime is expected to rise.
Other residents said that, although they lock their gates at night, they still sleep with one eye open.
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