Sikhumbuzo Molema, a 42‑year‑old father of four, who was shot and injured by a Fidelity security guard during an incident at Alex Mall in November last year, says the event has profoundly disrupted his life.

He said that after the shooting, he regained consciousness at Edenvale Hospital with no memory of the incident, due to heavy intoxication.

Read more: Fidelity security guard faces charges after Alex Mall shooting

According to a mall official, who did not want to be named, the security footage of the incident, showed that Molema was heavily intoxicated when he approached a stationary Fidelity vehicle and clung to it. The official told Alex News that the guard issued warnings, but Molema did not comply, leading to the shooting.

Molema himself confirmed his state of inebriation, noting that he only realised when he woke up in hospital that he was shot on the leg. He said he had no recollection of who shot him, and how.

The bullet passed through Molema’s leg without striking bone, but the injury has left him in persistent pain, impairing his ability to walk properly. “Even now, I cannot walk properly because it is too painful. It is difficult for me,” he said.

Beyond the physical toll, Molema said he has been grappling with psychological trauma. “Now, I have trauma. Sometimes I just keep quiet and think about it. Even now, I do not have answers. I did not think that one day I would be in this situation.”

Molema said that the guard’s use of force was excessive, given that he was unarmed and posed no immediate threat. He emphasised that a non-violent resolution, such as involving mall personnel, would have been more appropriate than resorting to gunfire.

Also read: Suspects flee with alcohol and assets worth R33 000 after Alexandra tavern break‑in

“As long as you don’t see a weapon or anything, there is a security guy in the mall that, if there is a problem, could have been called. Those mall security guys know me. Every day, I pass here from work, and I regularly come to the mall,” he explained.

Police said Molema’s case is under investigation. Last month, Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane confirmed to Alex News that the guard’s firearm was seized for ballistic testing.

When Fidelity Services Group was approached for comment, a week after the incident occured, the company’s Head of Marketing and Communications Charnel Hattingh, confirmed that Fidelity is working closely with the police.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Sikhumbuzo Molema, 42, speaks out after being shot and injured at Alex Mall last year. Although he was heavily intoxicated when he approached the cash‑in‑transit vehicle, he believes that the Fidelity guard’s response should have been less aggressive. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #caxtonlocalmedia #News #Localnews #Fyp #Community #johannesburg #SA #Alex ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“At this stage, we are still investigating all the facts and are therefore unable to provide further information. We remain committed to supporting this investigation,” she noted.

Alex News awaits Fidelity’s response to additional questions sent following Molema’s recent interview.

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