Sophiatown police were called to the scene of an attempted robbery and shooting where a 77-year-old man from the Eeufees Oord Old Age had to defend himself from a suspect.
Lieutenant Colonel Julia Claassen said that the attempted robbery took place at about 1.30am on 15 December. She added that the elderly man was woken up by the sound of a broken window. “He grabbed his licenced firearm and went to investigate.”
Claassen explained that he found an unknown man in his living room and fired a warning shot. The suspect then allegedly tried to attack him and then fired another shot at the suspect. He continued to add that the suspect then jumped through a broken window and ran. He later collapsed a few houses away and was certified dead by paramedics.
Nothing was stolen and there were no injuries. The police station is investigating a case of attempted robbery and an inquest docket has been opened.
Claassen also expressed that in light of the recent shooting incidents around both Newclare and Westbury, the station requests that residents exercise extreme caution.
“We also wish to sensitise the community to be more vigilant and to report suspicious activities and vehicles immediately to the police.”
She said that since the beginning of December the police have investigated four murder cases and eight attempted murder cases. Two suspects have been apprehended thus far and are still in custody and they have also confiscated one firearm.
“The police are working tirelessly to follow up possible leads and information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and the confiscation of illegal firearms.”
The station urged the community to come forward with any information concerning these shootings. Residents should call 082 850 7945, 0800 10111 or anonymously to crime line at 32211.
