Alleged robber shot dead with his own gun

Reiger Park police spokesperson Sergeant Mashudu Phathela said the victim got a puncture on the road between Ramaphosa and Reiger Park yesterday at about 12.45pm. He pulled over to replace the damaged tyre, Boksburg Advertiser reported.

The alleged robber, Wiseman Tshabe, who was walking on a path, approached the driver and offered to help him replace the tyre, added Phathela.

While in the process of replacing the tyre, the suspect pointed his gun at the motorist and demanded money.

“Instead of handing over his wallet, the motorist reached for the suspect’s gun. A scuffle between the two men ensued,” said Phathela.

“During the struggle, a shot went off, and the bullet struck the suspect in his groin. It’s unclear if the shot fired was accidental,” added Phathela.

“The motorist eventually surrendered and gave the robber his wallet containing more than R400. The suspect fled towards the nearby shacks,” said Phathela.

The injured robber entered a yard about 200 metres from the scene, where he fell and died, Phathela added.

The victim’s wallet was recovered in the suspect’s pocket, but the firearm was not found.

Phathela said police did not charge the victim over the incident, but the death of the alleged suspect is under investigation.

In a separate incident, a case of armed robbery was opened, along with another one of murder against the victim who shot a suspect during a robbery in Bezuidenhout Valley Park, Johannesburg last month.

“While the suspects were searching through the vehicle, the victim who had refused to be searched pulled out a gun and shot the robber who was carrying the firearm. The other three suspects fled the scene,” said Constable Mpho Mashakane.

– Caxton News Service