Careful, you may be next

The police revealed this week that wealthy businessmen in Verulam are proving likely targets for ruthless hit men.

In a suspected hit, Ivan Rattan, owner of a chain of bottle stores and a butchery in Phoenix, Durban, came under fire as he left his business premises.

According to South African Reaction Officer, Prem Balram, who attended the crime scene, the incident had all the makings of a well-planned "execution".

The 42-year-old father of two was travelling in a Land Rover when he was ambushed by seven gunmen. The two bodyguards with himwere unharmed.

"Ivan was the only occupant shot, and high-calibre cartridges were found at the scene. He had no chance," said Balram.

A few years ago, Rattan's brother, Naveen, who worked in the family business, was killed in a similar fashion in Verulam.

Rajesh Rattan, the surviving brother, who has since taken over the family business, refused to comment. Security guards posted outside the Rattan home in Verulam refused to allow communication with any of the family members.

In another incident two months ago, 53-year-old Daniel Rungasamy's charred remains were found in a burning van in a canefield in Verulam.

According to his son, two teenagers came up to him a few days earlier, and randomly took pictures with their cellphones. There have been no arrests to date.

Verulam SAPS spokesman Warrant Officer Mandla Khumalo said there was a noted increase in the number of businessmen being targeted, and often, it was because they were carrying large amounts of cash with them or because of business deals that went sour.

"We can't speculate on individual matters, but there is definitely a trend in the Verulam area where businessmen are being killed in the most brutal manner," he said.

Khumalo urged peope not to carry cash around, and to take precautions when travelling.