Reaction officer dies after Homestead petrol station attack

A security officer was shot during an armed robbery at a Homestead petrol station, in Germiston, on the East Rand.

After filling his vehicle with fuel, the 24/7 security services reaction officer went into the shop to get his log book signed last Friday, Germiston City News reported.

“As he was leaving, he came face-to-face with three suspects entering the shop,” said Geoff Schapiro, the operations director for 24/7 Security Services.

“One of the suspects allegedly pushed him and pulled out a firearm, and our officer reacted.”

Schapiro added that the other two suspects then allegedly got involved, and one of them took the security officer’s gun off him and shot him.

“The men then went behind the counter and took cash and other items,” said Schapiro.

“As they were leaving one of the other suspects allegedly shot our officer again.”

The officer was transported to hospital for treatment, but died the next day.

He was a longstanding employee of the security company based in Wynberg.

The company is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

The reaction officer worked in the Germiston area.

No other injuries were reported in the incident and, as yet, no arrests have been made.

Schapiro said they are appealing to the community to assist them in tracking down the culprits.

The 24/7 Security Services’ management is cooperating with the Primrose SAPS’ investigation.

Any member of the public who has information regarding the identity of the suspects or information which could lead to the arrest of the suspects, is asked to call the security company’s anonymous and confidential number on 0800 00 21 26.

Alternatively, please contact the Primrose SAPS on 011 842 0500.

The Primrose SAPS are investigating cases of business robbery and murder.

– Caxton News Service

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