Guard shot in armed robbery
2007-11-29 11:30
Durban - A security guard was shot dead during an armed robbery at a tyre dealership in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday, police said on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Captain Charmain Struwig said the business in Lyell Street, Ladysmith had opened its doors when two men drove into the parking lot in a black Golf.
"The security guard and an employee from the business approached the vehicle to offer assistance. The occupants of the vehicle asked to buy second hand tyres," said Struwig.
During the conversation, three other men - armed with rifles and handguns - arrived at the premises on foot and proceeded to rob the office, police said.
"The security guard and the employee later returned to the office to find the armed men inside," said Struwig.
The two men who arrived earlier joined the gang.
"A struggle then ensued between the security guard and one of the men, resulting in the fatal shooting of the 36-year-old security guard," she said.
As the five-man gang fled, an employee fired a shot at one of the robbers and it is believed that he injured the gang member.
The five robbers fled in the Golf taking cheques, a laptop, cash and the security guard's firearm.
"Police converged on the area and it was established that the robbers fled in the direction of Dundee. The men are considered dangerous and anyone who spots them should not confront them," said Struwig.
Police are investigating.
- SAPA