The police are investigating a murder case after an alleged robber was shot dead during a robbery at a Centurion restaurant on Sunday evening.

Wierdabrug police spokesperson Sergeant Divine Nkuna said the police responded to the scene at Centurion Lifestyle Centre around 18:30 for investigation.

“The complainant alleges that he was at his place of work when an unknown man came into the restaurant and pointed a firearm at him,” said Nkuna.

“The man announced ‘this is a robbery don’t try and be a hero’.”

“He then instructed the complainant to go into the office and he followed behind.”

It is believed the ensuring commotion alerted an off-duty security who rushed in to help.

“The guard fatally shot the alleged robber,” she said.

Nkuna said a case of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition has been opened against the deceased while a case of murder has been opened against the security guard.

Centurion Lifestyle Centre management confirmed a statement that the incident took place on their premises.

“The perpetrator was fatally wounded and emergency services and SAPS were on site,” the statement read.

“The safety of our customers, tenants and employees is our highest priority and wet remain committed to assisting the investigation in any way possible.”

Pretoria Rekord has learned that AfriForum head of action and policy Ernst Roets and his wife as well as their four sons were at the restaurant to celebrate their eldest’s 10th birthday when the incident occurred place.

“We were all very shaken, especially the older children because they understood what was happening.

“The robber who was shot and killed fell dead right in front of us and we had to crawl over his body to get out from underneath the table where we were hiding.

“Fortunately, one of our friends is a psychologist and is prepared to give us counselling,” Roets told the publication.