A local security guard has been killed and a suspect wounded following a violent weekend just outside Blyvooruitzicht.
On March 28, at around 05:10, an unknown man arrived at the Engen filling station speaking isiZulu. He asked petrol pump attendants for a container to buy fuel.
The staff directed the man to the security guard for help. The man followed the guard to his office, but once there, he pulled out a gun and shot the guard three times. The attacker fled the scene immediately, taking nothing with him.
The violence continued just hours later at 09:45 near the old Blyvoor No. 9 slimes dam. Two security guards from Bidvest spotted a man trespassing in the area, which sits close to the local Spar and the petrol station.
When the guards approached him, the man attempted to run. The guards chased after the suspect, who suddenly pulled out a firearm and threatened the officers. Although the guards initially convinced him to drop the weapon, the man jumped forward to grab it again.
The situation turned critical when one guard’s weapon jammed as he tried to defend himself. As he turned to run, his colleague opened fire, hitting the suspect in the arm, leg, and stomach.
The wounded man was arrested on two charges of attempted murder and taken to Fountain Private Hospital. Police have since confirmed that he is the same individual responsible for the murder of the security guard at the filling station earlier that morning.
At the time of going to print, the motive for the attacks remains a mystery.