Several hours before a Hawks detective was set to give a witness testimony against a Cape Town security company in an illegal firearms case, his elderly father was shot and killed in his driveway in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity.
Nico Heerschap, 74, was shot twice outside his Melkbosstrand home on Tuesday in what sources say was actually a hit on his son, Detective Warrant Officer Nico Heerschap.
Nico Heerschap, 74, was shot dead outside his home in a case of mistaken identity. Picture supplied
According to a police source, unknown gunmen opened fire on the man shortly after 7am.
“It was a hit on a Hawks detective. His father was leaving the house and the gunmen, who were in a Mercedes, jumped out and fired two shots at the driver.
“We heard that the detective had received threats.”
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase, confirms the incident, but says the motive for the killing is under investigation.
“We can confirm that the 74-year-old father of our very own Detective Warrant Officer Nico Heerschap, was shot twice and fatally wounded.
“The detective was due to testify in court on a case investigated by the Hawks. He was not at home at the time of the shooting and had already left for work.
“There is no arrest at this stage. We are following all possible leads.”
Nico's Damabed car. Picture: Supplied
Philani explains the detective was set to testify at the Cape Town Regional Court in a case involving a VIP protection services company.
“The security company, which has since ceased to operate, had issues with firearms which were seized by the Hawks due to the lack of documents.
“The owner of the company is facing criminal charges for the illegal possession of firearms.”