DAD SHOT DEAD – Beacon Valley man gunned down while delivering bread to tuckshops

NewsSportLifestyleEntertainmentOpinionNewsDAD SHOT DEAD – Beacon Valley man gunned down while delivering bread to tuckshopsMarsha Dean|Published 37 minutes agoCopy to ClipboardAsk AIREMEMBERED: Tasleem LeonardPAGAD (People against gangsterism and drugs) G-Force is calling for calm after Beacon Valley dad Tasleem Leonard, 43, was shot dead while delivering bread to tuckshops in his Mitchells Plain community.

According to police, Leonard was sitting in a white Hyundai truck in front of a premises in Trampoline Street when two unidentified men grabbed him and shot the PAGAD member. 

The suspects ran off with his firearm and have yet to be arrested.

Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said a murder case had been registered after the shooting, which happened at about 11.10am.

Van Wyk said: “He tried to reach for his firearm, when one of the suspects took out a firearm and started to shoot at the victim fatally wounding him.

“Thereafter they took the deceased firearm and ran away towards Hengelaar Road, Beacon Valley Mitchells Plain. The motive is believed to be robbery.”

Leonard was a member of the PAGAD (People against gangsterism and drugs) G-Force Specialised Unit, which released a statement on his death.

PAGAD announced: “Tasleem was a cherished son, brother, father and respected member of our community. He lost his life while doing his job, working honestly to provide for his family and serve the people of Beacon Valley.

“He leaves behind his beloved children. His passing has left a deep void in our family and community.”

The Unit called for calm and asked the community to support the family.

It added: “We condemn this senseless and cowardly act of violence in the strongest terms. No one should lose their life while trying to earn an honest living.

“We appeal to all community members to keep Tasleem and his bereaved family, including his children in your duas and prayers during this extremely difficult time and to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.

“We further call for calm and unity in Beacon Valley and urge an end to the violence that continues to claim the lives of our young men.”

Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be provided anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.