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On February 10, while dropping off his child at a Hangberg, Hout Bay, school, Simon Mather (above) was shot in a suspected drive-by hit.

Cape Town Etc reported that he was dropping his daughter off at school, and was found on the pavement in Atlantic Skipper Road, Hangberg, near Sentinel Primary School, with a bullet wound to the forehead, and taken to hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.

News24 reported on February 11 that investigators believe that he may have been targeted due to alleged ties to the underworld.

More recently, The Daily Mail reported on the incident, with additional information on his background, al

He was born in Derbyshire in the UK, but moved to Cape Town eight years ago to allegedly escape some of the “problems he was facing at home”.

He then married South African Sianlee Barendse, with whom he shared two young children.

It has been speculated that he had tried to muscle in on the illicit abalone trade. He was also suspected of being involved in the cocaine trade and had angered gang rivals.

A source told The Sun that “he crossed the wrong group and they took him out.  Life is cheap in South Africa, especially if you fall out with the wrong people.”

Ward Councillor Roberto Quintas made a statement shortly after the incident condemning the violence:

“The parent of a learner at the Hangberg Pre-Primary was fatally injured in a drive-by shooting outside of the school gates and in front of learners, staff and parents this morning during the school drop off time,” he said, speaking on the day of the attack.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms any type of violence, and most of all, public violence that will contribute to the fear and trauma experienced by children and adults in our society.”

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, via News24, appealed to the public for help.

“The police urge anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect/s to contact the investigating officer Detective Captain Zola John Gatyana on 082 496 2576, the office on 021 791 8660 or alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111”, he said

The investigation into his death is ongoing.

[sources:news24&dailymail&sun]