Thursday October 16, 2025
Somali shopkeeper Shool Mohamed Adde, who was shot and killed during a robbery at his business in the Philippi neighbourhood of Cape Town, South Africa, on Wednesday night. His death adds to a growing list of Somali migrants targeted in violent attacks across the country. SUPPLIED
Mogadishu (HOL) — A Somali businessman was shot and killed Wednesday night in the Philippi neighbourhood of Cape Town, South Africa.
The victim, identified as Shool Mohamed Adde, was attacked inside his small convenience store by armed men believed to be South African nationals. Witnesses said the assailants stole cash and personal belongings before fleeing the scene. The attack has led to renewed fears among Somali migrants over
recurring attacks that have claimed dozens of lives in recent years.
Police arrived hours later and launched an investigation, though no arrests have been made. Authorities have not released a statement on the incident.
Somali community leaders in Cape Town say the killing reflects a
pattern of violence and intimidation faced by foreign shopkeepers, many of whom operate in low-income areas plagued by unemployment and crime. Such
attacks tend to surge toward the end of the year, when thefts and xenophobic incidents typically rise.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly urged South African authorities to
protect migrant traders and prosecute perpetrators of xenophobic violence. Despite these calls, little progress has been made in improving security for Somali-owned businesses, many of which have been looted or burned in past attacks.
Somalia’s embassy in Pretoria has previously condemned similar killings and called for stronger cooperation with local law enforcement to safeguard its nationals living in South Africa.