A 35-year-old man was gunned down in a suspected hit on the link road between Tinley Manor and Shakaskraal on Monday evening.

According to iLembe Saps spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum, the man was travelling in an e-hailing vehicle when the vehicle was cut off by unknown assailants near the contractor’s gate of Palm Lakes Family Estate.

Two armed men reportedly exited their car and ran towards the e-hailing vehicle, shooting and killing the passenger. The driver escaped unharmed.

“I can confirm a case of murder is being investigated by Umhlali Saps,” said Nunkumar-Bukum.

The exact time of the attack remains unclear.

In response, the estate increased security patrols as a precautionary measure.

The shooting occurred just days after a joint surveillance operation involving the Tactical Response Team, Umhlali Saps and IPSS Security, which led to the arrest of a 37-year-old man inside the estate on October 2 and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition.

On Tuesday, the Palm Lakes Homeowners’ Association (HOA) issued a statement clarifying that Monday’s incident was unrelated to the estate or the earlier police raid.

“While the proximity of the event may have caused concern, please be assured that there is no link to the estate or its residents,” the HOA said.

When contacted by the Courier, a Palm Lakes spokesperson reiterated the estate’s position.

“The incident had nothing to do with Palm Lakes as it occurred outside the estate,” they said.

The motive for the killing remains unknown, and no arrests had been made at the time of publication.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.