A group of men embarked on a crime spree, including murder, after they allegedly robbed and severely assaulted an Atlas Security official in Western Road, Central, last night, May 29.
According to police reports, at approximately 20:30, the suspects attempted to rob a person in Western Road and when the person spotted the security vehicle, he ran towards it for assistance.
The suspects allegedly then turned their focus to the security official. He was beaten and his service pistol, a 9mm firearm, was taken. Cases of robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm were opened for investigation.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that after running off with the firearm, two of the suspects confronted two students as they were leaving their flat in Belmont Terrace. They were shoved back into the flat and robbed of five cell phones and two laptops. One of the students was also assaulted over the head with a firearm. A case of house robbery was opened.
“It is further alleged that at about 22:30, the suspects then went to a dilapidated building in St Patrick Street, Central, where they demanded money owed to them by two people. When one person did not have the money, he was shot in his buttocks. He was taken to hospital. A case of attempted murder is under investigation,” she said.
“Still with the devious adrenalin flowing through them, at about 22:40, the suspects proceeded to Albany Road where they sent someone to buy a bottle of beer. On his return, it is alleged that one of the suspects randomly shot and killed an unknown person in the street. Police have opened a murder case,” Naidu added.
Police believe that the security officer’s firearm was used to commit the offences.
According to a reliable source, the scene about the person being attacked and allegedly running to the security guard for help, was staged. The source said that the security guard was ambushed and that scene was staged to get him to stop so that they could rob him.
The source told Express that the one who was allegedly being beaten, suddenly got up and lunged at the security guard when he stopped to help. The guard was then forced to shoot the suspect in the stomach and foot.
“They know his routes and have been watching him, that is why they knew when and how to stage the scene. The injured suspect was apprehended as well as another suspect along with his girlfriend because she was hiding him,” the source said.
According to the source, the guard has several stitches in his face and spent the night in hospital.
Naidu said that police cannot confirm that the guard shot anyone or that the scene was staged as they have not yet interviewed the guard.
Police are following up on possible leads and appealing to anyone who can assist them in their investigations to contact SAPS Humewood’s, D/W/O Johan Rubenheimer on 074 430 6048 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. They can also visit the nearest police station.
All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
