Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
5 October 2023 | 13:00 CAT
2 min read

PHOTO CREDIT: CAPE ARGUS

The murder of Shafiq Naser comes almost a year after his brother, Abdel Fattah Nassar, was shot dead in a gun battle near the V&A Waterfront.

In a shocking incident, Shafiq Naser, a prominent Palestinian property developer, was fatally shot by two gunmen on motorcycles during peak-hour traffic near his home in Sandrift, Milnerton. Naser, who owned Naser Construction, based at Century City and was involved in various property developments in and around Cape Town, tragically lost his life in the attack.

This unfortunate incident has eerie parallels to the killing of his brother, Abdel Fattah Nassar, in a gun battle near the V&A Waterfront almost a year ago. Nassar was reportedly associated with the Israeli underworld and had sought refuge in Cape Town to escape gangland violence in his home country.

Shafiq Naser was driving his Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV on Bosmansdam Road when the assailants opened fire after the traffic lights on Freedom Way, close to the Sable Square shopping centre. Despite trying to flee, Naser’s vehicle collided with another car and overturned. Witnesses at the scene reported that the shooters fired seven shots at Naser.

Residents were shocked by the brazenness of the attack, which took place in broad daylight, affecting innocent bystanders and motorists. Jacqui Pember, the vice-chairperson of the Milnerton Community Policing Forum, expressed her concern, emphasising the need for a thorough investigation.

Wesley Twigg, a police spokesperson, stated that the motive behind the attack is yet to be established, and a murder case has been registered for investigation. The incident underscores the challenges of organised crime in South Africa, particularly in major cities like Cape Town.

The community awaits further details as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.