Pietermaritzburg jewellery store murder and robbery suspect dies

One of the two suspects injured during last month’s shooting and attempted robbery at Marcos Jewellers at the Parklane Centre in Pietermaritzburg has died.

According to an article published by The Witness, the other suspect appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court today.

Arriving in a wheelchair and with an injury on his head, Sihle Mkhize made his first court appearance since the November 14 robbery. He was formally charged with attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances and for the murder of Pietermaritzburg businessman and jeweller, Lefteri ‘Marco Junior’ Galanis.

The second accused, who was shot in head during the attempted robbery, died in hospital.

However, the state prosecutor said she has not been furnished with the death certificate.

Despite his injuries, after he was shot during a shoot-out with the robbers, Galanis managed to shoot the two suspects, while his mother, Nikki, courageously tried to prevent a third assailant from entering the shop.

The third suspect managed to escape.

“Galanis retrieved his firearm after two of the armed men were distracted by his mother, who bravely tried to block the third suspect at the door. Galanis then opened fire, shooting one suspect in the head and another in the torso, while the third suspect fled,” says uMgungundlovu District police spokesperson Sifiso Gwala.

Mkhize said he intended to apply for bail. The state said it is opposed to bail due to the severity of the crime and the safety of the witnesses.

The matter was adjourned to December 23.

Mkhize will be transferred from Pietermaritzburg Central Police Station to New Prison.