Woodstock residents were left reeling on Monday night after 30-year-old Imaan Syms was gunned down in a targeted attack on Sussex Street.
Imaan Syms killed in brutal targeted shooting
According to Cape Town police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, police officers arrived at the scene following reports of a shooting and found Syms’ body with multiple gunshot wounds.
A yet-to-be-identified suspect reportedly approached Syms, fired several shots, and fled. While some witnesses claim 17 shots were fired, SAPS has not yet confirmed the exact number. Emergency responders declared Syms dead at the scene.
Early speculation suggests Syms may have been a casualty of escalating tensions between rival groups in the area. Police have not confirmed whether her murder is linked to gang violence, but sources indicate that she may have been deliberately targeted.
Authorities have not disclosed whether there were any threats against her life prior to the shooting, and no arrests have been made so far.
What we know about Imaan Syms
Syms was the daughter of Ziyaad Williams, a well-known figure in Cape Town’s Minstrel Fraternity and team owner of the D Six Hanover Minstrels.
Beyond her family background, Syms also battled a chronic illness for most of her life. She was diagnosed with psoriasis at the age of six, a skin condition that caused painful flare-ups and required extensive medical treatment.
In a past interview, Syms described her struggles with psoriasis, revealing how the disease affected her physically and emotionally. As a child, she was bullied over her condition and, at 13 years old, suffered a severe flare-up that left her hospitalised for four months.
Despite the challenges, Syms remained determined to live a full life.
She was receiving daily treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital and had expressed concerns about balancing her health needs with her plans to attend university.
Police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more details emerge.