MALL MURDER – Man shot dead in broad daylight at Elsies River shopping centre

NewsSportLifestyleEntertainmentOpinionNewsMALL MURDER – Man shot dead in broad daylight at Elsies River shopping centreMarsha Dean|Published 2 hours agoCopy to ClipboardAsk AISHOT DOWN: Killed in mall parking lot

AVONWOOD Square Mall was rocked when a man was shot in the parking area in front of patrons and workers.

A graphic video of Friday morning’s incident circulated on social media, showing the man lying partly outside a grey Renault Kwid, with his feet still inside the vehicle.

Blood covered the back of his white T-shirt as the driver’s door stood wide open.

When the Daily Voice arrived at the scene, the shooting was still the main topic of conversation among workers and customers, with concern and shock evident throughout the mall.

One eyewitness said he got the shock of his life after what initially appeared to be a motor vehicle accident was followed by gunshots.

The source said: “I was standing right there where the shooting happened. 

“I saw three people inside the car; they crashed into another car. Two people jumped out and ran away.

“The driver remained inside the car, and when he started getting out of the car, there was another guy who came running around the corner with a gun.

“He shot the driver in the back and fired a few shots at the two running away. I cannot say where the shooter came from. Police were on the scene for about three hours.

“Everything happened so quickly; thankfully I wasn’t hit or anyone else by a stray bullet. I just wanted to get away, but this is a hotspot for crime. It is not the first time they shoot here.”

The aftermath of the apparent crash was still visible at the scene, with another vehicle showing a completely dislodged bumper and debris scattered around the parking area.

One of the workers said the deceased apparently lived in Clarke Estate in Elsies River, while also alleging that the shooting could be gang-related.

A customer said she had no idea a shooting had taken place until she arrived at the mall.

The shopper said: “I was on my way to Shoprite and not aware of the shooting until I got to the mall and saw the body lying there already and police were on the scene.

“I was so shocked because apparently it is a young man who was killed from Clarke Estate.”

Community members and children gathered at the scene as police cordoned off the area and worked to secure the evidence.

Despite the violent shooting, the mall returned to its usual rhythm once the scene had been cleared, with patrons and workers continuing with their day.

Provincial police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed that a murder investigation has been opened at Elsies River SAPS.

Mpendukana said: “Elsies River detectives are investigating a murder case following a shooting incident that took the life of an adult male at Balvenie Avenue, Elsies River, on the morning of Friday, 2 October 2026.

“No arrest has been made yet and the investigation continues.”