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UPDATE: 8 January, 13:00:
The publicity team for the UK reality show Love Island, which is currently being filmed in Cape Town, has denied any link between the show and the death of security boss Tim Lotter.
"There is absolutely no link whatsoever between Love Island and this person or firm," a representative comfirmed to Channel24.
The Sun reported that Lotter's death saw the show being caught midst a "gang war" in Cape Town. The reps for the show have called the reports "completely untrue" and "incredibly misleading".
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 8 JANUARY, 10:33:
Cape Town – Popular British reality show, Love Island is filming its current season in The Mother City, to catch some of the summer sun in a picturesque location as the series has been known to do in previous seasons filmed around the world.
But according to The Sun the show's producers are now in a panic after the head of private security company, Extreme Security Measures owner Tim Lotter, was shot dead on Sunday.
The incident took place on the corner of Basson and Frans Conradie drives, according to News24, in an apparent drive-by shooting. IOL reports that Tim's death is linked to the battle to gain control of nightclub security. It's not clear what the company's ties to the show are.
News24 has been following the gang wars in Cape Town, extensively for many years, and investigative journalist Caryn Dolley has written an in-depth book on the topic titled The Enforcers: Inside Cape Town's Deadly Nightclub Battles.
The alleged murder took place over 20kms from where the show is reportedly being filmed – in a luxury villa - which is located in an incredibly pricey piece of beachfront real estate at the other end of town.
A show insider told The Star: "Producers aren't taking any chances. It's been arranged for armed guards to patrol the compound throughout the series. If it's known to everyone in the area that a big TV show is in town, then it will become a target. There are concerns there could be kidnap attempts if things aren't done carefully."
The new season of Love Island will premiere on Sunday, 12 January on UK screens, with 12 hopefuls confirmed to be entering the villa announced.
Laura Whitmore will also be making her debut as the show's host, replacing long-running series regular Caroline Flack.
Channel24 reached out to ITV for official comment and will update this article when a response is received.
Seasons 1 – 4 of Love Island UK, and season 1 of Love Island Australia are available on Showmax.
Compiled by Alex Isaacs. (Sources: News24, IOL, The Star)
Photo: Getty Images
