Western Cape police are in pursuit of a suspect following a double murder at a Bellville tavern last Friday evening.
Story Summary:
- Two people, including a 40-year-old Chinese national, were killed in a Bellville tavern shooting.
- Police have yet to arrest the suspect, and the motive for the attack remains under investigation.
- Local authorities are on high alert, aiming to secure the area amid rising crime concerns.
Bellville tavern murders: What we know so far
The shooting, which claimed the lives of a 40-year-old Chinese national and an 18-year-old bystander, has sparked concern within the local community as authorities work to determine whether the attack was targeted or random.
The incident unfolded shortly after 19:00 at a tavern located at the corner of South and Blankenberg Streets in Bellville’s central business district.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the Chinese national had arrived at the tavern and was escorted to the bathroom by a bouncer.
Moments later, multiple gunshots were heard near the bathroom area.
As detailed by police spokesperson Captain van Wyk, the bouncer, after leading the man to the bathroom, “heard several gunshots outside.”
When he exited to investigate, he discovered the Chinese man on the ground, fatally wounded.
Shouting for help, the bouncer and an 18-year-old bystander pursued the gunman, who turned and fired, hitting the younger man.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
Police have yet to apprehend the shooter, and no weapon has been recovered from the scene.
The motive behind this violent incident remains unclear, and investigators are exploring all possibilities, including the possibility of a targeted attack.
