Bangladeshi shot dead in South Africa over alleged extortion dispute

A Bangladeshi expatriate was shot dead at his business premises in Cape Town, South Africa, allegedly after refusing to pay extortion money demanded by a local criminal group, according to his family.

The victim, Maruf Bepari, was killed at around 10PM on Wednesday in the Booster area of Cape Town. His family was informed of his death on Thursday morning.

Maruf was a resident of West Sidya in Ward 4 of Sidya Union under Damudya upazila of Shariatpur district. He was the son of the late Abdus Sobhan Bepari and leaves behind three children.

According to local residents and family members, Maruf had lived in South Africa for more than 14 years, earning his livelihood through business.

His relatives alleged that a local criminal group operating in the Booster area demanded 500 South African rand from him every month to allow him to run his business. A recent dispute over the payment reportedly preceded the fatal shooting.

Kamruzzaman Bepari, the victim’s nephew, said his uncle had operated his shop for only one of the past three months, keeping it closed during the other two months. He had therefore offered to pay extortion money for just one month, triggering an argument with the group, Kamruzzaman alleged.

“After an argument, members of the group took 500 rand and left. A short while later, they returned and shot my uncle dead,” he said.

The family is now seeking government assistance to bring Maruf’s body back to Bangladesh as quickly as possible. His remains are currently at a hospital in South Africa.

Rubel Akon, panel chairman of Sidya Union Parishad, confirmed Maruf’s death, saying the victim was his neighbour.

Akon called for greater protection for Bangladeshi expatriates working abroad, noting that many work hard to support their families and contribute to the country through remittances.

He urged the government to coordinate with Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in countries where expatriates face security threats, stressing that business owners should not have to face extortion demands and violence.

The circumstances surrounding the killing and the allegations against the suspected perpetrators could not be independently verified.