One person was shot and killed while two others sustained serious injuries during a robbery.

According to Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, Bekkersdal Police spokesperson, the incident happened near a local tavern on Saturday, 7 November – just three days before a 27-year-old woman and a 59-year-old male security guard were shot and killed while several others, including traffic officers, were injured during a cash-in-transit heist in Bekkersdal.

She said the three victims came across two armed and unknown thugs who demanded cash and cellphones from them.

During the stand-off, the victims attempted to run in different directions but the assailants fired shots at them, fatally wounding one and critically injuring two others,” Lefakane said.

A case of murder and attempted murder has since been opened.

“Investigations are under way. We are appealing to the public to help the police with information that could lead to the arrest of these perpetrators,” Lefakane added.

Lieutenant Colonel Andile Moshani, the acting Bekkersdal Police station commander urged all tavern owners to adhere to the liquor and lockdown regulations to avoid incidents of this nature.

We will not rest until these culprits are arrested; we will hunt them down and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” said Moshani warned.