File
Police are investigating the murders of three people who were killed in separate business robberies in Nelson Mandela Bay on Friday night.
In the one incident, police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said two were shot inside a shop in Vuku Street in New Brighton when two men entered at around 19:30 and opened fire on two men, aged between 23 and 25.
“One victim passed away at the scene while the other passed away on the way to the hospital. Groceries, cigarettes, and cash were taken,” Naidu said.
She said members of the Anti-Gang Unit responded to the shooting and chased after the fleeing suspects who abandoned their get-away car in Dyanti Street in Kwazakhele.
All the groceries were in the vehicle while a 7.65mm pistol was found around the corner from the shop.
Meanwhile, Naidu said a 38-year-old shop owner was fatally wounded when during a robbery in Khama Street in Kwanobuhle in Uitenhage.
“It is alleged that the shop owner was busy offloading stock for his shop when three armed men approached him. The suspects ordered the owner to open his shop. A fight broke out between the owner and the suspects which resulted in his fatal killing,” she said.
Naidu said the shop owner’s assistant ran outside on hearing the gunfire and was also shot and wounded. He is recovering in hospital.
She said the gunman took cash and groceries while their getaway bakkie was found not far from the scene.
The names of the deceased in both incidents will only be released once the next of kin have been informed.
“Police are urging business especially small traders who personally drive to buy their stock to always be wary of their surroundings. Carrying large amounts of cash should be avoided,” Naidu said.
