THE man who was shot dead in an attempted business robbery early Monday morning at KIC Factory Store in China Gate Mall, was identified as Peter Mabilo (51).
Mabilo was the manager at the store. There were eight people inside the store when the incident happened. No-one else was injured.
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According to Sgt Sharon Tsotsotso, spokesman for Sebenza SAPS, the robbery took place at about 9.30am. There were five suspects who fled the scene in a white old series BMW after shooting and killing Mabilo.
“Mabilo was shot once in the upper body. No appliances or money was stolen from the safe or the store,” said Tsotsotso.
One of the suspects, who pretended to be a customer, followed Mabilo into his office with a firearm and demanded he opened the safe.
A KIC security guard, Mlungisi Ntshangase, described what happened.
“I heard noises coming from the office and went to see what was happening. When I went into the office I saw a guy holding a gun to Peter’s head. I turned around to run away but a guy with a firearm stopped me at the door. He ordered me to the floor. After that I heard a gunshot and the men ran out.”
Tstotsotso said they had video footage of the suspects in the store and an arrest would be made soon.
“We urge all business owners and managers to be more alert and sharpen their security because it is the festive season.”
