Bangladeshi shopkeeper killed

2005-12-08 14:01

Bloemfontein - A Bangladeshi shopkeeper was killed and two others injured by gunmen who robbed two stores in Phelindaba in the Free State on Wednesday, police said on Thursday.

Spokeswoman Sergeant Thandi Mbambo said three robbers entered a shop on the corner of Mandleni and Makoane streets at about 20:00.

Threatening the owners with firearms they demanded they open a burglar door.

"Once inside they robbed them of R3 500, cigarettes worth R1 000, three Nokia cellphones and airtime vouchers worth R1 200."

As they left the shop they fired shots, hitting one person in the head and the other in the chest. Both survived.

The robbers stole a Mazda Midge parked outside a house opposite the store and made their way to another Bangladeshi-owned shop at 20:30 where they demanded that the four owners open the burglar door.

Two apprehended

"A shot was fired and one of the owners was hit in the head and died at the scene," said Mbambo.

The robbers tried to force their way in, failed, and fled.

Police were alerted and cornered two of the men near a tavern in Mangaung. One was sitting in the stolen vehicle and the other one was outside.

Police confiscated two 9mm pistols and the three Nokias.

They were still on the lookout for the third suspect.

Mbambo said that despite there being many Bangladeshi citizens living and doing business in the area, she did not believe they were being specifically targeted.

"It happens sometimes but it is not common. It is like any other robbery," she said.

The two men who were arrested would appear in Bloemfontein magistrate's court on Monday, charged with murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and theft of a motor vehicle.

"The quick arrest of suspects who allegedly shot three Bangladeshi citizens doing business in our country and killed one in the process will indicate that the [police] are committed to providing service to all citizens, including them," said area commissioner Director Jan Tsotetsi.

- SAPA