Suspect arrested in Hermanus businesswoman's murder linked to taxi violence

A 37-year-old man is expected to appear in the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape on Monday on murder charges. 

This was after a murder was perpetrated at a shopping mall in Hermanus. 

The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, said the murder took place on Thursday, August 8. 

“The arrest follows the death of a 59-year-old woman outside the Whale Mall in Hermanus on Thursday, after she sustained gunshot wounds inflicted by armed assailants,” Potelwa said. 

She stated that an extensive investigation ensued, leading to several individuals being questioned.

“As a consequence, on Saturday, August 9, the suspect was charged. Two vehicles and a firearm were seized over the weekend as part of the probe. The shooting incident is believed to be taxi-conflict related. Serious violent crime investigators are still hard at work in search of more suspects,” Potelwa said. 

According to the Hermanus Times, staff from businesses at the mall heard five shots ring out and further witnessed three men flee in a minibus taxi without any license plates. The publication further stated the well-known businesswoman’s death comes approximately six months after her husband's death. Her husband was gunned down in broad daylight at the Zwelihle Taxi Rank.

Whale Coast Mall management also put out a statement on their social media confirming the shooting incident. 

“We understand the concern this has caused within our community and would like to assure the public that the matter is being thoroughly investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS),” part of the statement read. 

It also stated additional security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of staff and customers. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za 

IOL