The killing of a Primrose Park school secretary on Friday April 8 could be linked to another criminal case.
This is according to Manenberg SAPS spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett.
Zuraya Bardien, 61, was shot and killed while on her way to school on Friday morning just after 7am. She was shot in her neck and shoulder and died on the scene. Her 6-year-old grandson was found physically unharmed on the backseat.
Captain Bennett confirmed the incident, adding that Ms Bardien was a witness in another criminal case. Police are investigating the possibility of her killing being linked to the other case.
Describing what happened on Friday morning, Captain Bennett said: “As she drove towards the entrance of the school in Kunene Road, a lone gunman walked up to her car and fired several shots through her closed window. The gunman fled the scene and no arrests have been made.”
Ms Bardien was laid to rest at Pooke Road Cemetery on Saturday April 9, in accordance with Muslim rites.
Vernon Visagie, chairperson of Manenberg Community Police Forum (CPF), said Ms Bardien’s killing has set back efforts to restore faith in the criminal justice system.
“People are scared. Incidents like this paint a picture of lawlessness. It looks like the perpetrators get away with it and law-abiding citizens pay with their lives for it. This is what is concerning me. It has just set back all our efforts,” Mr Visagie said.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said Ms Bardien had been working at the school for 21 years.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and the school community for this very sad loss. The WCED has arranged for counselling support for learners and staff,” she said.
Captain Bennet appealed to anyone with information to contact Manenberg SAPS at 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.