Cali, Colombia—Gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire outside a high-traffic shopping center on Sunday afternoon, killing a local businessman and leaving his personal bodyguard critically wounded. The attack happened near the main valet parking entrance as the victim walked toward his armored vehicle. Police cordoned off the plaza, halting commercial activity as homicide detectives initiated their investigation.
Witnesses reported hearing at least eight gunshots ring out in rapid succession. Shoppers ducked behind concrete pillars while security personnel rushed to secure building entryways. The hitmen fled into afternoon traffic before armed plaza guards could return fire.
Paramedics arrived within minutes, pronouncing the businessman dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical technicians stabilized the injured bodyguard, who sustained chest and arm injuries while attempting to shield his employer. Ambulances rushed the wounded guard to a nearby university hospital under heavy police escort.
Forensic technicians swept the pavement for shell casings and ballistics evidence. Investigators collected six 9mm shell casings near the victim's body. Crime scene officers preserved fingerprints on a discarded helmet found two blocks away from the crime scene.
Surveillance cameras along the commercial corridor captured the entire sequence of events. Video footage shows two men wearing dark jackets idling near the perimeter fence prior to the target's exit. The motorcycle rider kept the engine running while the pillion passenger stepped off to execute the attack.
City police commanders deployed quick-reaction units across surrounding neighborhoods in search of the assailants. Roadblocks went up on primary arterial routes leading out of the sector. Detectives are reviewing the victim's recent commercial dealings to establish a motive for the targeted hit.
Local business leaders condemned the ongoing violence impacting the city's commercial districts. Store managers inside the center lowered security shutters and escorted patrons through rear exits. Violent crime metrics across the district have risen steadily despite increased municipal security patrols.
Municipal prosecutors assigned a specialized homicide task force to manage the case. Officials refused to release the deceased businessman's name until extended family members received official notification. Law enforcement officers remain stationed outside the hospital where the surviving bodyguard undergoes emergency surgery.
Police patrols maintain a visible presence around the shopping complex as technical teams conclude site processing. The main boulevard reopened to vehicular traffic late Sunday evening. Detectives continue cross-referencing vehicle registration databases to trace the getaway motorcycle.
Published by Banx Network. This article is part of the Banx decentralized media programme, powered by the BXE token on the XRP Ledger.





