Beloved Witpoortjie shoes salesman murdered near home in Johannesburg CBD

The familiarity of a quick chat with a humble man is replaced now by an empty space.

Those frequenting the businesses between Ham and Gregor Streets along Generaal Pienaar Avenue would have grown accustomed to the faces of the informal traders along the strip. The determined salesmen come from across the African continent looking to build a new life, and sadly one of the most friendliest and well-known has been gunned down on Monday night February 7.

Know to some as Yusef or Joe, Youssof Sambo was murdered near his home in Bezuidenhout Valley. The Senegalese national had been splitting his time between Witpoortjie and another site in the Johannesburg CBD closer to where his wife lives. According to friend, fellow informal trader and Sengalese countyman, Mohamed Dioup, Youssof was shot and killed at roughly 21:30 on a Bezuidenhout Valley street while unloading his shoes.

Mohamed relayed that police attended the scene and found that none of Youssof’s personal belongings or valuables had been taken, suggesting the shooting was not robbery-related. Jeppe Police have been approached for comment and details will be shared if forthcoming.