A Somali shop keeper was stabbed to death during a robbery at his spaza shop in Kwelera on Monday night.
Five men entered Africa Unite shop in Jongilanga location armed with knives and a pistol and made off with R11000 cash, groceries and airtime valued at R6000, leaving the man dead.
The incident occurred just after 7pm when Ali Abdi Abdi, 21, was manning the store with his 24-year-old cousin Hassan Ibrahim.
Ibrahim said yesterday the men entered the store and called Ali by name, giving a clear hint they knew him.
“They ordered the shop to be closed and began ransacking it looking for valuables,” said Ibrahim.
“There were customers that came knocking, looking to buy, and the robbers whispered and said we must tell customers that we are closed,” said Ibrahim.
He said a short scuffle ensued between Abdi Abdi and one of the robbers resulting in him being stabbed multiple times in the neck and stomach. He died on the scene.
Ibrahim said the robbers were inside the shop for three hours waiting for a getaway vehicle that later arrived.
“They switched off the lights, moved out of the shop and left,” he said, adding he was left lying on the floor with his hands tied behind his back.
Ibrahim said he believed Abdi Abdi was killed because he knew the suspects and would have been able to identify them to the police.
Asked how he survived Ibrahim said: “I don’t know this place. I have been here for three days and those guys don’t know me but they threatened to come back and kill me if I speak to the police.”
Police spokesman Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku said a murder case was opened for investigation.
“Police are following all possible leads to locate and arrest the suspects. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Constable Sandile Ntengento on (043)851-1540 or 082-441-8966. All information will be treated as confidential,” Mzuku said.
Abdi Abdi was buried yesterday afternoon in the East London Muslim Cemetery.
His cousin, Mohamed Abdirizak, said they were helpful to police who seemed determined to catch the suspect.
“They have taken statements and have promised to increase patrols in the area,” Abdirizak. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
Robbers stab Somali spaza owner to death
Five men entered Africa Unite shop in Jongilanga location armed with knives and a pistol and made off with R11000 cash, groceries and airtime valued at R6000, leaving the man dead.
The incident occurred just after 7pm when Ali Abdi Abdi, 21, was manning the store with his 24-year-old cousin Hassan Ibrahim.
Ibrahim said yesterday the men entered the store and called Ali by name, giving a clear hint they knew him.
“They ordered the shop to be closed and began ransacking it looking for valuables,” said Ibrahim.
“There were customers that came knocking, looking to buy, and the robbers whispered and said we must tell customers that we are closed,” said Ibrahim.
He said a short scuffle ensued between Abdi Abdi and one of the robbers resulting in him being stabbed multiple times in the neck and stomach. He died on the scene.
Ibrahim said the robbers were inside the shop for three hours waiting for a getaway vehicle that later arrived.
“They switched off the lights, moved out of the shop and left,” he said, adding he was left lying on the floor with his hands tied behind his back.
Ibrahim said he believed Abdi Abdi was killed because he knew the suspects and would have been able to identify them to the police.
Asked how he survived Ibrahim said: “I don’t know this place. I have been here for three days and those guys don’t know me but they threatened to come back and kill me if I speak to the police.”
Police spokesman Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku said a murder case was opened for investigation.
“Police are following all possible leads to locate and arrest the suspects. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Constable Sandile Ntengento on (043)851-1540 or 082-441-8966. All information will be treated as confidential,” Mzuku said.
Abdi Abdi was buried yesterday afternoon in the East London Muslim Cemetery.
His cousin, Mohamed Abdirizak, said they were helpful to police who seemed determined to catch the suspect.
“They have taken statements and have promised to increase patrols in the area,” Abdirizak. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
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