Cape Town - A suspect linked to the shooting of a Chinese national at Howard Centre in Pinelands has been found dead in Observatory, just hours after the incident.
The unknown man’s body was discovered inside a parked white Toyota Starlet in the St Peter’s Square parking lot on Monday night.
The discovery came just under two hours after he was allegedly involved in the attack on the Chinese national near the library at Howard Centre, along with three other suspects.
At the time of the shooting on the Chinese national, police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, confirmed a 62-yearold man had been shot in the chest and was taken to the hospital.
Pojie said initial reports indicated the victim was confronted by four unknown suspects who attempted to rob him of a black bag, which was later found to contain documents and a laptop.
Pojie said a struggle broke out, resulting in several shots being fired, one of which hit the victim in the chest.
The Chinese national is currently receiving medical care, while the suspects are believed to have fled the scene empty-handed.
Howard Centre management yesterday confirmed the shooting and stressed their commitment to ensuring shopper safety.
“The safety and well-being of our customers and staff remain our utmost priority, and we are fully supporting the authorities in their investigation,” the centre said.
It is now believed that the unidentified deceased was one of the four attackers who escaped.
Pojie said further investigations linked the body and vehicle to the attempted murder and robbery of the Chinese national earlier that day.
“It is alleged that the unknown deceased was one of four assailants who fled the scene after their failed attempt.
“Seemingly, the deceased was shot during the scuffle with the Chinese victim,” he said.
Woodstock police have since opened an inquest docket, while Pinelands police are looking into a case of attempted murder.
Spokesperson for the Pinelands Precinct Community Policing Forum (CPF), Marietta Hopley, said the shooting highlights the urgent need for improved community safety measures and the important role the CPF has.
“In times like these, we need to come together and work collaboratively for the greater good.
“Only through unity and shared responsibility can we ensure the ultimate safety and security of our community,” she said.
The CPF also praised the quick actions of the Pinelands SAPS, medical responders, CID Patrollers, and other support teams, whose rapid response was key in handling the situation effectively.
Police urged anyone with information to reach out to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app to report anonymously.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za
Cape Argus