A former accused in an R18 million cocaine trafficking case, Christopher Carelse, has been shot and killed in Kensington, Cape Town. Carelse had become a state witness in the ongoing drug case, providing testimony against his former co-accused. The shooting occurred recently, prompting immediate investigation by local authorities. This incident immediately raises serious concerns regarding the safety and protection of witnesses involved in high-profile criminal prosecutions. The murder casts a shadow over the case and could potentially impact future testimony. Police have launched a murder investigation, but no arrests have been made at this time. The incident underscores the risks faced by individuals who cooperate with law enforcement in cases involving organized crime.