Western Cape police have announced a R500 000 cash reward for information that could help solve the Bellville double murder that shocked the community in November 2024.
Police announce cash reward in Bellville double murder case
The case involves the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Chinese national, Muadi Huang, and 18-year-old bystander, Enrico White.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Frederick C. van Wyk, the attack happened on Friday, 8 November 2024, just after 19:30 SAST, outside a business premises on South Street in Bellville.
Police confirmed that the suspect was caught on camera but could not be identified because his cap hid much of his face.
Police reports show that Huang had entered a tavern and asked to use the bathroom. A bouncer escorted him to the back. While the bouncer went inside to switch on the light, gunshots rang out.
When the bouncer rushed outside, he found Huang lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds. The shooter fled the scene.
White, an 18-year-old bystander, chased after the suspect but was shot and killed during the pursuit. Medical personnel later declared both Huang and White dead at the scene.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that two cases of murder were opened and said the motive remains unclear.
“The motive for this shooting incident forms part of the police investigation. Anyone with information is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” Van Wyk said.
In murder cases where police have little to go on, authorities sometimes offer a cash reward to encourage the public to share information. The idea is that someone may have seen or heard something important but is afraid to speak out without an incentive.
For the Bellville double murder, detectives believe someone may know the identity of the shooter, despite his face being hidden under a cap. The R500 000 reward will be given only if the information provided leads to both an arrest and a successful conviction in court.
Community leaders have expressed concern over rising crime levels in the Bellville area. Gerda Gerber, spokesperson for the Bellville Community Policing Forum (CPF), said the case has left residents shaken.
She explained that the area had recently seen “many new faces” after the City of Cape Town relocated homeless people from the central business district to other suburbs, including Bellville.
“Although the City of Cape Town is offering social services, people cannot be forced to accept them. We believe that is why we are seeing this increase, which is concerning, especially as we are heading towards the festive season,” Gerber said.
She added that local police have promised to step up patrols to ensure safety over the holidays.