Businesses robberies in eMalahleni are rife, with two business owners shot and injured while two filling stations were also targeted in robbery incidents from May 19 to 25.

In the first incident, a business owner was overpowered by two armed robbers on his way to his vehicle after locking up his shop.

One of the robbers demanded money from the man at gunpoint. He was shot while he was explaining to his attackers that he does not have cash in his possession. The bullet hit the victim in his right thigh.

According to reports, robbers fled the scene in a white Golf and without taking any valuables. Police are investigating a case of attempted murder.

Armed reaction officers found the victim on the floor and notified the police. The victim is currently recovering from his injury.

On May 19, the owner of a local fruit and vegetable wholesaler was shot and injured at his business premises. According to reports, the victim’s wife was sitting in her car, when she saw her husband assaulted and shot by six suspects.

One of her husband’s attackers climbed into the back of her vehicle and took her handbag and items worth R8 500.

The business owner was taken to hospital and later to Milner Park Hospital where he is currently recovering.

In the third incident, on May 23, three men wearing face masks targeted a clothing store.

According to reports, the suspects were stopped at the store entrance and told that they cannot enter while wearing face masks. One of the men then took out a firearm and pointed it at staff and patrons, ordering them to stand still.

The staff of the shop was ordered to open the tills. The robbers also took items and cash from a safe. Security and staff members were locked in the cash room of the business.

One of the robbers fired a shot while they fled on foot. Luckily, no one was injured during the incident.

On the same day, robbers also targeted a petrol station.

According to reports, an employee noticed two males entering the convenience store, one of them was carrying a 9kg gas cylinder.

While one employee tended to the man with the gas cylinder, the other stayed behind in the store.

Reports state that the man then took out a firearm and pointed it at employees in the business.  They fled after taking a gas appliance. According to witnesses, three men were seen fleeing the scene.

Another shop attendant at a petrol station was robbed on May 25 while taking a bathroom break.

According to information, two unknown males entered the toilet area while she was in the bathroom and demanded that the victim empty her pockets and hand over her valuables.

Robbers took her cellphone, cash, and bank card and locked her in the bathroom.