A man was shot in broad daylight in North End on Tuesday in what witnesses said looked like a hit, with the shooter casually ambling off after pulling the trigger.
The shooting took place on the corner of Govan Mbeki Avenue and Elizabeth Street in North End shortly before midday.
According to witnesses, the shooting appeared to be a hit – with the gunman and an accomplice casually walking away after the attack – stealing nothing.
Shortly after the shooting, the police helicopter circled around the area looking for a white bakkie believed to be the getaway vehicle.
By late afternoon, the 44year-old victim, who owns the New Heaven Student Accommodation, located where he was shot, was undergoing an operation at a Port Elizabeth hospital.
The man’s name is being withheld by the police for his protection.
Curious bystanders watched as police cordoned off Elizabeth Street to gather evidence.
Onlookers said the police took about 15 minutes to arrive at the scene.
CCTV cameras facing the scene are believed to have captured the attack.
A nearby shop worker, who asked not to be named, said the man came to inspect the premises almost daily.
“His Mercedes was parked on the side of the street in front of the student accommodation entrance [in Elizabeth Street].
“He was getting out of his car when two guys approached him, one on the driver’s side and another man on the passenger side,” the witness said.
“They were talking very briefly when the next thing the guy on the passenger side fired shots at him.
“At least five shots were fired and some hit the car’s window.
“The gun was in his hand and he had a jacket wrapped around it.
“I think the other guy also had a gun but I am not sure.”
After the shooting, the two gunmen strolled down the street in the direction of Govan Mbeki Avenue.
“When they got near their bakkie, parked outside a shop at the corner, they fired a random shot across the road.
“They then got into the car and pulled away. There was no rush and they were taking their time,” the man said.
Another witness, who was inside a shop at the time, said when gunshots rang out people started running.
“Everyone walking in the road started running into shops,” he said.
“Cars driving past even started swerving.
“It was not a robbery, they did not ask for anything, and shot him.
“It must be a hit and it is clearly a business transaction that went wrong.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the investigation was under way and the victim was in hospital.
“An unknown male approached him and fired several shots at him,” she said.
Naidu was unable to answer other details relating to the attack.
“The motive for the shooting is not yet known and police are investigating a case of attempted murder,” she said.