Two people have passed away following Thursday’s (October 1) alleged armed robbery at a business property on Dr Goonam Street (formerly Prince Edward Street).
The deceased were reportedly rushed to hospital after the incident and later succumbed to their gunshot injuries. One was a suspect, and the other was the shop owner.
The deceased suspect, a 35-year-old, reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back and the front of his abdomen. The shop owner, a foreign national, reportedly sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest, while the second victim, a 17-year-old, sustained one gunshot wound to his arm.
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“Upon police arrival, it was established that the property was open for business when three unknown males entered the premises. The suspects produced firearms and instructed the employees to proceed to the rear of the store, whilst the fourth suspect was left behind in a white Hyundai i20 vehicle the suspects were traveling in, which was parked outside the store,” said SAPS Durban Central spokesperson, Sgt Zanele Khomo.
Khomo added, “A business partner of the store was walking along Dr Goonam Street on his way to a prayer, when he was alerted of the robbery. He immediately rushed to the store and, upon witnessing the incident, he pulled out his firearm, firing several shots into the store in the direction of the suspects.
“The suspects returned fire. Subsequently injuring the business partner as well as a customer who unknowingly walked into the active scene.”
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“The second suspect, also 35 years old, is in a critical condition in hospital with injuries to his head, ankle, and femur.
“Two more suspects fled the scene, and the search is ongoing, police say. Recovered items include a Silver Taurus 9mm pistol, with a serial number filed off, one magazine with fifteen 9mm rounds, two cellphones belonging to suspects, and a 9mm Glock,” Sgt Khomo shared.
Police are investigating cases of attempted business robbery, two cases of murder, three cases of attempted murder, four cases of possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition.
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