Pedestrians, motorists and business owners had to take cover after a passing vehicle, with an unknown amount of passengers, opened fire on the driver of a red Audi vehicle, as he was travelling on Gopalall Hurbans Road in the vicinity of Walter Reid Road, in Tongaat, on Monday morning.

Mdu ‘Skoro’ Mageza, a prominent business owner from Hambanathi, in his early 40s, was believed to be the target of a group of individuals, who felt that he was a threat to their business endeavours.

Speaking to the Rising Sun North Coast, his friend, Siza Mthethwa, described Mageza as a gentle giant.

“Mdu was a thriving businessman and was always in good spirits. He loved to entertain people and hang out with friends. He definitely had a lot of potential for the world to see. Overall, he was a father, brother and great friend,” he said.

Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were on patrol in the area, when they discovered the bullet riddled vehicle.

According to RUSA spokesperson, Prem Balram, the deceased is believed to be a taxi owner but could not be immediately established.

“It was established that the driver of the vehicle was killed after the occupants of an unknown vehicle opened fire on him. A case of murder is being investigated,” said Balram.

Tongaat police officers were in attendance and a case of murder was opened. Investigations into the murder is at an early stage.