Woman, 39, gunned down in Sir Lowry’s Pass in suspected extortion hit

Somerset West police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident in a house in Riemvasmaak, Sir Lowry's Pass, on Wednesday, November 12. 

Provincial police said reports indicated that two unknown men entered the house pretending to buy alcohol just after 11am. 

“Minutes later, several gunshots were heard, and the body of a 39-year-old female was found. As the suspects fled the scene, they fired several shots at several nearby houses, damaging windows. 

“No injuries were reported, just damages to the windows. The 39-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,” said Captain F.C van Wyk, the provincial police spokesperson.

Ward 84 councillor, Norman McFarlane, said it was suspected that the incident was related to extortion.

“The suspicion is that it was an extortion-related hit because the person who was shot was trading liquor. It is a complete disgrace that this sort of thing happens in a residential area; it is a clear indication that our communities are not safe, and it is not acceptable,” he said. 

Anyone with information about the incident is requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Keegan Charles at 021 8501302 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.