Bedfordview security officer shot at Bill Stewart Nature Reserve

June 20, 2025, turned into a nightmare for a Bedfordview security officer who was shot by an armed robber.

The shooting occurred at the Bill Stewart Nature Reserve in the evening on that day, around 18:00, after Duncan Mbedzi had knocked off from work.

Bedfordview Edenvale News spoke to Duncan on March 25, 2026, following an article published on March 11 titled, RAG recognises two community heroes.

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The article revealed that the two community heroes, Chris Morris and Enrico Gasparani, had rescued a security officer who had been shot the previous year and averted what could have been a tragic accident.

Duncan, who hoped the reserve could be amped up with more security measures, narrated his story thus: “There were about five of us walking along the Bill Stewart Nature Reserve, and I was in the front.

“Just as I was about to turn, someone came up and paved the way for me to pass through. I thought the people I was walking with were right behind me, only to hear one of their voices shouting far behind and calling me.

“Just as I turned in response to that voice, I came face to face with a gun, held by the man who had paved the way for me,” recounted Duncan.

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A shocked Duncan assumed the man wanted a phone, and so he moved his hand towards his pocket. The next thing he felt was bullets piercing two different parts of his left ribs.

While bleeding, the security officer made his way back towards Kloof Road, and that’s when he received assistance from the men he had been walking with.

They called the ambulance, and while waiting, emergency responders, Chris and Enrico, arrived on the scene.

“They administered first aid to me. The ambulance arrived around 20:00 and took me to Alberton Netcare, where I was well-taken care of.”

He was operated on. Two bullets, of which one permanently damaged a rib, were removed from Duncan.
The security officer spent two weeks in the hospital, and he did not receive any counselling after the incident.

“I just deal with it myself. As long as I survive and am able to provide for my children, that’s what matters.”

Duncan acknowledged the support he received from people at his workplace who showed up at the hospital.

He also shared that he received a food parcel and a blanket. His wife and children stood with him throughout the journey.

The security officer said he went to the Bedfordview SAPS and gave a statement, but the shooter was never caught. Duncan said, “This is still going to happen to someone. There is no safety around that park.

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“A lot of people who work in Bedfordview cut through that park. I still use that path because I don’t have enough money to request an e-hailing vehicle every day. I do request on other days.

My two older children did not approve of me going back to work but realised that I had to provide for the family.”