Israeli murdered in Johannesburg heist
Diamond merchant who lived in South Africa for many years killed in what appears to be armed robbery, Foreign Ministry confirms tragic news has been given to family
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed that an Israeli citizen was killed Monday evening in South Africa. The exact circumstances surrounding his death are unclear as of yet, but he apparently died in an armed robbery somewhere in Johannesburg.
The victim, Michel Rubinek, worked as a diamond merchant, and that he transferred his residence to South Africa many years ago.
The ministry said the man's family had been notified of his death.
Personal safety in South Africa in general and Johannesburg in particular has become increasingly compromised, and local police often find themselves outgunned by criminals.
South Africa is battling perceptions that it is unsafe as it prepares to hold the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the first African nation to host the competition.
Statistics showed the number of murders fell 4.7 percent in the year to end-March but were still among the world's worst.
Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa recently old members of parliament South Africa should beef up its anti-crime units to deal with one of the world's highest murder rates that have made the country a "killing field."
Mthethwa said government should boost specialized police units that were in the frontline of the country's war on crime.
Reuters contributed to this report
