Murder: José Antonio da Silva 61, shopkeeper shot dead as he was dragged from car by two black males, car found torched later

Motiveless Murder: Shop-owner José Antonio da Silva, 61, dragged from car by black males, shot dead, nothing robbed: 'hijacked' car found torched later ----------------- report by journalist Jana Boshoff 28 June 2014 - who refers to this as a 'robbery', however nothing was robbed: his cash and phone were found on him, and his torched car was found abandoned near a squatter camp the same day. https://www.facebook.com/116298045063416/photos/a.178568022169751.48293.116298045063416/908853275807885/?type=1&theater" It is still unclear why Jose Antonio da Silva (61) was shot dead by two black gunmen who dragged him from his car near Middelburg Mall. An eyewitness told police that the Nissan NP200 in which Mr Da Silva was travelling, stopped behind him at the Samora Machel Street and Dr Mandela Drive robot. Whilst they were waiting for the traffic light to turn green, a car came to a screeching halt close to Mr Da Silva’s Nissan. Two armed men jumped out and ran straight to the driver’s door. Mr Da Silva was shot twice in the chest before he was pulled out of the vehicle and left by the side of the road. The incident happened blocks from Mr Da Silva’s home. One of the two robbers was seen fleeing the scene in the Nissan NP 200. Mr Da Silva, better known as Tony, died on the scene. Although the post mortem results were not known at the time of going to press it is said that one of the bullets fired at him pierced his heart and lung. His cell phone as well as an undisclosed amount of cash was found in his possession. He was well known as the owner of OK Grocer in the Komati Village and is described as a friendly man who would greet strangers. A family member, Brandus van Jaarsveld, says that Mr Da Silva was a loved and respected man who was passionate about helping the poor. “We would like to thank the police and the community for their support. We know that the police are doing their utmost best to catch the people involved.” Capt. Khanyisile Zwane, police spokesperson, said that a special task team has been appointed to investigate the crime. “The Middelburg police have a task team to investigate trio-crimes. They are hi-jackings, business and house robberies.” Anyone with information can contact Capt. Zwane on 082 462 1896. • A burnt-out vehicle was found in eMalahleni on Thursday. It could not be confirmed whether it was Mr Da Silva’s Nissan at the time of going to press. • Mr Da Silva had no children. He leaves behind his wife Wilma. Funeral arrangements will be published at a later stage.