A well-known pastor from Elsies River, who worked for a local security company, was shot and killed in Khayelitsha as he picked up staff in the early hours of Monday morning.
Pastor Christopher Konstabel, 68, who worked for SJC Security Services for many years, was picking up staff about 5am when three balaclava-clad men approached the vehicle and opened fire.
In a statement yesterday, SJC Security Services said they are deeply saddened by the loss of their Road Shift Supervisor.
“He was tasked to collect fellow security officers for duty in Khayelitsha, the reason being that it is too dangerous for security members to walk to public transport,” reads the statement.
“While collecting fellow officers, he was confronted by armed robbers wearing balaclavas. They gun-pointed him and demanded his cellphone and firearm. He was not armed and his
cellphone was at home.
“The armed robbers then shot SSO Konstabel in the chest and he died as a result of this wound. Our condolences go out to his family and wife.”
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, says a case of murder has been opened for investigation.
“According to information, the security guards were picking up other employees when three unknown suspects, one with a firearm approached them,” she says.
“The suspect shot at the security guards and a 68-year-old man was fatally wounded. Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation with no arrests so far.”
A community worker, Walter Prinsloo, 58, said he was shocked to hear of the pastor’s death.
He says Konstabel was a caring man and considered the backbone in his community.
“My heart goes out to his family. This is a loss for the whole area. He was helpful and gave without question,” he says.
“He also ensured we were safe when we went outside. He cared for this community.”
The deceased’s family could not be reached on Wednesday.