A security guard was shot and killed during a business robbery in Tarlton this morning (8 April).
The guard, from Mapogo Security, responded to a call about a business robbery on a R24 plot at Vlakplaats in Tarlton at 9am.
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Sergeant Carmen Hendricks, spokesperson for the Randfontein Police, said the Tarlton Police received a cellphone call about a robbery in progress at a liquor store and the Tarlton Supermarket this morning.
“Upon arrival they found the emergency services already on scene,” Hendricks said.
The emergency services informed them that the security guard had already passed away.
The shop-owners told the police that 14 robbers approached the shop, armed with rifles and crowbars.
About eight of them entered the liquor store with a trolley and demanded to be taken to the drop safe. Outside, there were more robbers standing guard with rifles.
“One of the employees managed to press the panic button when the suspects went into the room where the drop safe was,” said Hendricks.
She explained that within seconds, shots were heard outside and the robbers ran to the front of the shop, taking cigarettes, an undisclosed amount of money, bottles of whisky and two of the employees’ cellphones with them.
The Mapogo Security guard arrived on the scene and was shot by the robbers, one of whom ran outside and took one of the security officers’ firearms.
“It was later found that the suspects also robbed the supermarket of cash, cigarettes, airtime and one iPhone,” continued Hendricks.
The suspects fled in a blue Audi sedan and a white Hilux double cab with a canopy. The registration numbers of both vehicles are unknown.
Thankfully, no customers or employees were injured, but the loss of the security guard’s life is a tragedy.
Hendricks said the West Rand District Commissioner, Major General PF Kekana, wanted to convey his condolences to the family of the officer.
The Tarlton detectives have asked the community to assist them in finding these men.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS the Crime Line on 32211.
