Western Cape police are seeking public assistance to identify three suspects following the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Vhahangwele Makolana at the News Cafe in Table View on Monday, May 25. According to provincial police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk, the suspects approached the victim at approximately 2:00 p.m., opened fire, and fled the scene with two laptops and a cellular phone.
Investigation into the Table View shooting
Detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are analyzing footage of the incident, which has circulated on social media. Captain van Wyk confirmed that the victim, who is believed to be from Venda, Limpopo, was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel. While the gunmen targeted the victim, staff and other patrons present in the restaurant were left unscathed.
Did You Know? The investigation into the incident at Marine Circle involves the review of viral social media footage, which captures the moment the suspects entered the premises before fleeing with the victim’s personal electronics.
Addressing public misinformation
In the wake of the shooting, online speculation incorrectly identified the victim as Joel Booysen, the son of alleged Sexy Boys gang leader Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen. Joel Booysen addressed these rumors directly via a social media post, stating he was home and unharmed. Authorities have not established a motive for the attack on Makolana, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Expert Insight: The rapid spread of unverified identities on social media often complicates active criminal investigations. By publicly debunking the rumor regarding Joel Booysen, law enforcement can refocus the public’s attention on the specific, verified persons of interest captured in the restaurant’s security footage.
What happens next in the investigation
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is currently working to identify the three men seen in the pictures released by the police. A possible next step involves investigators cross-referencing information received from the public with the visual evidence collected from the scene. Individuals with information regarding the suspects’ identities or whereabouts are urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Bradley Davids at 082 778 7345 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim of the shooting?
The victim was 33-year-old Vhahangwele Makolana, who is believed to be from Venda, Limpopo.
Were any other patrons injured during the incident?
No. According to police reports, staff and other patrons at the restaurant were left unscathed.
How can members of the public assist the police?
Police are requesting that anyone with information regarding the identities or locations of the suspects contact Detective Warrant Officer Bradley Davids at 082 778 7345 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Are local authorities likely to increase security measures in the Marine Circle area following this incident?