Business robbery ends in blood bath

A shop owner received a phone call while he was attending a business sector meeting at Montclair SAP, informing him of the robbery. Four armed men entered his shop and stole money, cigarettes, airtime and cellphones, all estimated at R14,000. The men fled in a white Peugeot in the direction of Cato Manor. The assailants’ descriptions were circulated, leading to them being spotted by Bellair policemen near a garage in Cato Manor.

A chase ensued and the men retaliated with gun fire, to which police responded. Back-up was called and the dog unit and flying squad were also alerted and waited for the men in Westville. A show-down between the police and the robbers took place and during the cross fire, a fifth unarmed man, made off with the stolen goods. Three of the men were shot dead. The fourth man, who sustained gunshot wounds, attempted to evade police by crawling away. He was knocked over by a passing vehicle. A bystander was shot dead in the cross-fire.

Four handguns, an AK 47 and the get-away vehicle were recovered. It is believed the men committed their first robbery of the night at KFC in Umlazi. Police are investigating further and are confident the fifth man will be arrested soon.

– mbalim@dbn.caxton