The robbery took place around 19:45, on one of Middelburg’s busiest street corners, the intersection of Lilian Ngoyi- and Cowen Ntuli.

The intersection, bordering the bustling hub including Amazon’s Restaurant, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Pizza Del Forno and the nearby A Nova Vista Restaurant, was brought to an abrupt standstill.

Police say three armed men pounced on Bread ‘n More owner, Mr Antoon Meyer and his wife Giela, while they were closing the shop for the night.

Immediately after locking, the three men accosted the couple, drew weapons and demanded money.

A gunfight broke out between the robbers and Mr Meyer, whom police believe, may have succeeded in fatally wounding one of the three men who opened fire on the couple while they were fleeing.

The deceased man, believed to be one of the robbers, was shot in the back.

An unlicensed firearm was found metres from where the alleged robber’s body fell.

Details about the robbery remain sketchy, as police could not take a victim statement from Mr Meyer, who was rushed to Midmed Hospital where he was discharged on Monday morning.

Captain Khanyisile Zwane said police expects to have a detailed statement from both Mr and Mrs Meyer, by Tuesday this week.

According to Captain Zwane, police were told Mrs Meyer had also been wounded, but luckily it turned out not to be true.

“Mr Meyer was so covered in blood, that police on the scene couldn’t pinpoint exactly where he was shot,” Captain Zwane told the Observer.

The Observer could not reach the Meyer couple for comment before print.

Police furthermore say that another eyewitness on the scene, could also not give an official statement, since he was visibly drunk, while another, gave police a glimmer of hope, telling them that he’d recognized the getaway car, and knew the owner.

Captain Zwane however confirmed, that all three assailants, including the deceased whom police believe was involved with the robbery, fled on foot.

The deceased identity cannot be released until he has been formally identified.

A local family has however already come forward, claiming family ties with the deceased, whose identity is known to the Observer.

The robbers fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, using an escape route around the Bambanani Medical Centre.

Police are investigating cases of armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm, all pertaining to the robbers and the deceased.

An inquest docket has been opened in connection with the deceased, as ballistic experts will first have to determine whether the man was shot by Mr Meyer, or one of his alleged assailants. No arrests have been made.

Update: Written warning for sleeping police

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