A THIEF has been shot dead and a Chinese businessman is recovering in hospital after shootings in Harding on Tuesday this week.
The 25-year-old businessman was on his way to the bank when he was approached by three men in Hawkins Street.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid said he was shot twice in the leg. “The men grabbed the money he was going to deposit and fled,” she said.
Warrant Officer Patrick Gosling, Constable Mzwandile Makana, Cst Lee Frost, from public order policing, with Cst Joseph Cele and Cst Innocent Nhlumayo from the K9 unit, responded to the call from Harding and followed up on the information they had.
Within hours, two of the gunmen were arrested outside Harding. An SUV motor vehicle, a 9mm pistol, and the stolen money were recovered.
The search for a third thief continued and he was traced to Harding.
When officers closed in on him, he fired at the police. “Police fired back, the man was hit, and he died at the scene,” said Lt-Col Wiid. “It is believed that two of the gunmen are from the Durban and the third from Harding.”
The victim was taken to hospital and is recovering.
Kokstad’s acting cluster commander, Colonel Hendrina Grundlingh, welcomed the arrests and was impressed with the quick response and successful apprehension of the men.
Investigations are continuing and the two men will appear in the Harding court soon on charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
