A SHOP owner narrowly escaped with his life after he was attacked and his shop set alight in Effingham this morning (October 19).

According to KZN VIP, Swift Private Security was alerted to the incident on Ramchand Road, near the informal settlement, after 11:00. KZN VIP spokesperson Garrent Naidoo said the shop owner was attacked allegedly by suspects who arrived in a vehicle.

He said, “According to the information received, the suspects arrived at the shop in a vehicle and severely assaulted the shop owner, leaving him with significant injuries to his head. Before fleeing the scene, the suspects allegedly set the shop alight, causing a fire to break out inside the premises.”

Also Read: Fire engulfs about 20 homes in Blackburn Village

Naidoo said Swift Private Security immediately mobilised multiple response vehicles to the scene to assist and assess the situation. The eThekwini Fire Department and Greenwood Park SAPS were called to the scene.

“KZN VIP Ambulance services were also contacted and attended to provide medical assistance to the severely assaulted shop owner, who had sustained head injuries.”

Marshall Security said their Armed Response Officers and their Special Operations Team and Community Support Team also attended the scene. Marshall’s Tyron Powell said the injured man was transported to hospital by paramedics, while eThekwini firefighters battled the blaze.

Naidoo urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report it to Greenwood Park SAPS. “The circumstances surrounding the assault and the deliberate setting alight of the business premises remain subject to police investigation,” he added.

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