A man succumbed to his injuries in hospital after being shot during a robbery at a jewellery store in a local shopping centre.
A Pietermaritzburg businessman tragically passed away from injuries sustained during a robbery at his family-owned jewellery store in the Park Lane Centre on Tuesday. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed as his family has yet to be notified, succumbed to his injuries in hospital shortly after the incident.
According to Pietermaritzburg police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala, initial reports suggest that the victim was involved in an altercation with two suspects during the robbery. The businessman was at the store with his mother when the incident occurred. A third suspect is also being sought by authorities.
Gwala explained that the victim was able to access his personal firearm when the two suspects became distracted by his mother, who was trying to prevent a third suspect from entering the store. In the confusion, two of the suspects were injured, and both are currently receiving medical care under police supervision.
Witnesses at the scene described a brief moment of uncertainty as the situation unfolded, causing shoppers and pedestrians to seek shelter indoors for safety. Once the authorities arrived, they took control of the area, and onlookers later returned to see the police processing the scene. Many stated they were not able to observe the events inside the store, as they had gone inside when the situation became tense.
A murder investigation, along with an attempted robbery case, has been opened by the police. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the third suspect involved in the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
