THE bloody ambush in Mount Edgecombe this morning that left a security guard dead may have involved a consignment of cigarettes. Four men, driving a white Toyoto Corrolla, opened fire on the vehicle carrying the goods, killing one and wounding another. A third victim, believed to be the driver, was assaulted by the armed men.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa’s spokesman, Prem Balram, witness reports say the deceased, who is a security officer, was contracted to safeguard a consignment of cigarettes.
“He and his driver had just finished a delivery at a service station and were about to join the M41 when they were ambushed by four suspects in a white Toyota Corolla, who opened fire on the Isuzu bakkie. The driver of the bakkie was shot in the thigh and ran back to the service station for assistance. The suspects fled the scene in the Toyota Corolla and the bakkie. The security officer’s firearm was also stolen.
According to Netcare 911 spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, the driver of the truck was assaulted, his assistant was shot and the security guard was shot dead.
“The security guard had died before our arrival. The two injured were treated on scene and then transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care by Netcare 911 paramedics.”
According to criminologists and researchers, organised syndicates are looking at softer targets such as un-armoured vehicles distributing cigarettes across South Africa.
In August last year, four hijackers were arrested after a special operation in Mount Edgecombe.
