A 37-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 August 2025, in connection with the killing of 59-year-old taxi owner and businesswoman Julia Alam.
Man linked to Whale Coast Mall shooting due in court
She was shot multiple times outside the Whale Coast Mall in Hermanus on Thursday, 7 August.
According to Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Alam was leaving a shop at the mall when she was ambushed by three armed men. She died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Police believe the attack is linked to ongoing disputes in the taxi industry.
Following the shooting, detectives launched an extensive investigation. Several people were questioned, leading to the arrest of the 37-year-old suspect on Saturday, 9 August 2025. Police also seized two vehicles and a firearm believed to be linked to the crime.
Victim was a known businesswoman
Alam was a well-known figure in Hermanus and the local taxi industry. She lived in Zwelihle, a township near Hermanus.
Hermanus Community Police Forum chairperson Donovan van der Westhuizen said the attack had shocked the community.
“The victim was a prominent person who was in the taxi business. She was shopping at the Food Lover’s Market and as she walked out of the shop, she was gunned down by three armed suspects. There’s quite an outcry by the general public in Hermanus about this because these are not things you normally see here,” he said.
The murder comes less than six months after Alam’s husband was killed in a similar manner, also in a suspected taxi-related hit.
Whale Coast Mall management confirmed the shooting, saying they were working closely with police.
“We understand the concern this has caused within our community and would like to assure the public that the matter is being thoroughly investigated,” the centre said in a statement. A
dditional security measures have been introduced at the shopping centre.
Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) chairperson Nceba Enga described the killing as a loss to the industry.
“We lost one of our female members. We just had a peace summit on Monday, where we were talking about reconciliation… We don’t want any more bloodshed,” he said.
Serious Violent Crime investigators are still searching for the other suspects involved in the attack. Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.