Cape Town (South Africa) – Somali businessman Maxamuud Cabdi Cusmaan was shot dead on Thursday night inside his shop in the Philipi neighborhood of Cape Town, according to local sources.

Witnesses report that the incident occurred inside the store where he worked, with no signs of robbery or theft reported at the scene.

South African Police Service (SAPS) officers arrived shortly after the shooting and confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the motive and identify the attackers.

The killing has once again raised concerns over the safety of Somali migrants in South Africa. Community members accuse the Somali Embassy in Pretoria of failing to take the necessary steps to protect Somali traders, many of whom are low-income individuals who moved to South Africa in search of better economic opportunities.

The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet released a statement regarding the incident, and there is still no clear strategy from Mogadishu on how to ensure the protection of Somali nationals living and working in South Africa.

Somalis continue to face high levels of violence in the country, with dozens killed or injured each year in targeted attacks, robberies and xenophobic incidents, while meaningful preventive measures from South African authorities remain limited.