Business man shot dead in Uitenhage

Police are investigating a case of murder after a businessman was fatally shot outside his shop in Uitenhage this morning around 1am.

READ: Law enforcement agencies intercepts planned business robbery

It is alleged that a businessman, Costa Panayiotou (67) had just closed his shop in Market Street, Uitenhage and was walking towards his vehicle with his assistant when unknown men accosted him near Town Hall parking space and fatally shot him. 

Police spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni says he sustained a gunshot wound in the upper body. 

police recovered a vehicle after it was found abandoned, parked in front of a house

“The suspects abducted Panayiotou’s assistant (woman) and also stole his VW Polo. Moments later, police recovered a vehicle after it was found abandoned, parked in front of a house in NU-9, Motherwell in Port Elizabeth. The assistant was later found in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth.”

Police opened a case of murder, hijacking and abduction with a possibility of additional charges as investigations progress.