Update: Security guard shot during armed robbery
Police were able to find both shell casings and a manhunt is underway to find the suspects
The sound of two gunshots echoed through the streets of Bergville as a cash-in-transit security guard was gunned down in a brutal armed robbery.
It was about 11am on Tuesday when a security vehicle transporting money stopped at its usual pick-up point and the guard went into a supermarket along Tatham Road to collect cash. As is usual procedure, the guard proceeded into a secure area where the money was handed over to him and placed in a box. The guard then exited the store.
It is believed that as the guard was making his way back to the security vehicle, armed suspects approached him from behind and fired two shots. One of the bullets struck the guard in the head and the other ricocheted off the security vehicle.
The robbers grabbed the box and fled.
A Nissan Hard-Body with GP registration, parked nearby, was used as a getaway vehicle. A driver was waiting in the vehicle for his accomplices. It is alleged that the shooters jumped onto the bakkie and the vehicle sped off.
According to video footage, the suspect who fired at the guard entered the shop earlier in the day and purchased an item. The suspect then left the shop and stood against the wall outside, ‘reading’ what appears to be a newspaper. He stood there until the security guard came out of the store.
According to eyewitnesses from a nearby shop, they saw the same kind of vehicle the day before (Monday), parked along the road.
However, the occupants did not get out and after a while of just sitting there, they left.
Sharaj Ambulance Services and EMS responded to the scene to treat the badly-wounded guard. After being stabilised, he was transported to La Verna Hospital in a critical condition.
Bergville police, as well as Ladysmith police, were at the scene.
Police were able to find both shell casings and a manhunt is underway for the robbers.
According to corporate communication officer Captain Charmaine Struwig, “The suspects, believed to be three, shot one of the guards. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head and is receiving treatment in hospital.”
Police are investigating a case of robbery and attempted murder.
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