From the news desk

Business attacks ‘well planned’

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The Cape Chamber of Commerce says businesses in the southern suburbs may need to increase their security to curb criminals. Businesspeople in Athlone, Ottery and the surrounds has fallen victim to a spate of criminal attacks, in which a number of Muslim owned businesses have been targeted. Abdul Basier Dramat from the local chapter of the chamber says the attacks were alarming.

“It seems as if it is getting easier to attack businesses but more needs to be done to protect and secure businesses,” he told VOC News.

“Businesses need to work alongside law enforcement as the attacks that have been taking place seem too well planned.”

Considering the kind of businesses that are being attacked and the growth of these businesses, the loss that could face the economy could be significant, he added.

“Besides the business owner not making any money, hundreds probably thousands of jobs could be lost as a result of small businesses closing down, and that will have a major affect on the economy,” said Dramat.

Consumers who support these businesses will also be affected as they will be forced to purchase their goods at another store, which could charge them more.

However, Dramat reiterated that businesses need to insure themselves against these kind of attacks in order to get reimbursed in a case where money or any kind of assets was taken.

On Monday evening, 28 year old Ahmed Mohammed was shot and killed on Monday evening in Parow industria near Ravensmead. Police spokesperson Andre Traut said that the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

Traut also confirmed that three suspects fled the scene in a white Toyota Tazz and are yet to be arrested, while the motive of the shooting remains unknown.

The Foodland Grocery and Butchery on the corner of De Wet and Ottery roads was also targeted on Sunday. Shopkeeper Anis Rahman was shot in his left leg when three robbers cleared the tills and demanded the keys to the safe.

Over the past four months since the attacks, two people have been left dead and several others injured. VOC (Imogen Vollenhoven)


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