JOHANNESBURG: Two Pakistani nationals have been killed in a shooting incident in South Africa, in what is being described as a possible targeted attack or robbery-related shooting. One of the victims was reportedly from Mandi Bahauddin, while the other was from Lahore.
According to reports, Saadat Balhar, a resident of Mandi Bahauddin, was travelling home by car with his employee, Rizwan, after closing his mobile phone shop in the Kewtown area of Johannesburg.
The two were reportedly attacked by unidentified armed men who had allegedly been lying in wait along the route. The assailants opened indiscriminate fire on their vehicle, killing both men at the scene.
After being informed of the incident, local police arrived at the scene, collected evidence and launched a formal investigation. The bodies were subsequently shifted to a hospital.
The family of Saadat has made a disturbing revelation, saying that just two months ago, four Pakistani youths, including two of Saadat’s cousins, were also shot dead in a similar incident in South Africa.
The latest incident has reportedly caused serious concern and fear among members of the Pakistani community living in the country.
The affected families have urged the Government of Pakistan to raise the matter through diplomatic channels and take up the issue with the South African authorities.
