A Bangladeshi expatriate has been shot dead at his business establishment in Cape Town, South Africa, allegedly after refusing to pay extortion money, according to his family.

The deceased, identified as Maruf Bepari, was from West Sidya village in Sidya Union of Damudya upazila in Shariatpur district.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night (October 21) in the Booster area of Cape Town.

According to family members, a group of armed men shot Maruf after a dispute over extortion payments.

Relatives said a local group had allegedly been demanding 500 South African rand per month from him to operate his business. A dispute reportedly arose after Maruf refused to pay the demanded amount.

His nephew, Kamruzzaman Bepari, said the family learned of the killing on Thursday morning. Maruf’s body is currently being kept at a local hospital in South Africa.

Maruf had moved to South Africa several years ago in search of a better livelihood and established his own business there. He leaves behind three children.

The family has appealed to the government to take necessary steps to bring his body back to Bangladesh.

Local police in Damudya have been informed of the incident through relatives and are seeking further information.

No official statement from South African police regarding the killing was immediately available.