Cashier shot at fast-food store in KZN

A man, believed to be a regular customer at a fast-food outlet in Pietermaritzburg, has been arrested when he allegedly demanded his order immediately after paying for it, leading to a cashier being shot.

The incident took place at the Engen Duzi garage, in Boshoff Street just after 23:00 on Monday.

The 28-year-old cashier was shot in front of the store’s security guard and was rushed to hospital.

In the CCTV footage of the incident, which The Witness has seen, a man wearing black pants, a white T-shirt and a black jacket is seen getting out of a luxury car which had parked in front of the entrance to the fast-food shop.

As the man gets out of the car, he can be seen putting a gun in the back of his pants and covering it with his jacket before entering the store.

He then goes up to the counter towards the cashier, where another man is seen waiting.

The two men can be seen talking to the cashier before she gives the man with the gun his till slip and what looks like his change. The man then starts arguing with the cashier and another man who was standing next to him.

He suddenly turns around and hits the other man, who immediately leaves the counter after the altercation.

He then continues a heated argument with the cashier until the cashier gives him his money back.

As she leaves the counter, the man can be seen taking his gun out and firing a shot at her.

Two men then exit the shop and return to the car.

Bleeding profusely from what looks like a wound to her hand, the cashier is immediately assisted by her colleagues, who help her to a chair behind the counter.

The owner of the garage, John Freeguard told The Witness that a disagreement between the customer and the cashier led to the shooting.

The customer came to buy food, but he did not want to wait for it. He wanted it immediately; that is why he shot the cashier.

He said the bullet struck her arm and she was rushed to hospital.

“It was a traumatic experience,” he said.

He added that they were able to identify the shooter through the CCTV footage and lauded the security personnel and SAPS for their swift response.

Pietermaritzburg police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala said police are investigating a case of attempted murder.

He added that the suspect was a regular customer at the store.

A 43-year-old man was arrested this morning [Tuesday] and a firearm was recovered. He will appear in court on Thursday.”