KAMHLUSHWA – A filling station turned into a war zone around 03:00 on Monday when a group of armed men stormed it and used explosives to try and blow up the drop safe.
The group of around 14 suspects was armed with an assortment of rifles and pistols.
They did not manage to gain access to the safe’s contents and stole cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of cash.
WATCH VIDEO: Armed robbery in Malalane
During the robbery, a community member stopped at the filling station to get fuel. He realised he was in danger and reportedly tried to drive away, but was shot by the suspects.
The victim lost control of his vehicle, which crashed into a nearby house. He was later declared dead on the scene.
READ: Suspects flee with cash after daylight robbery
Another community member who approached the scene managed to escape, but was wounded. The suspects drove a white Bantam bakkie with false registration plates and are still on the loose.
Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, the Mpumalanga SAPS provincial commissioner, called on the community to help police track down the dangerous gang.
Anyone with information can contact WO Mduduzi Shongwe on 082-389-8112.
