Randfontein Police are urging any person who might be able to shed light on an incident where a security guard was found dead with a gunshot wound to the upper body in Aureus last week.
“It is alleged the victim was employed as a security officer at a factory in the Aureus area. Guards from neighbouring premises alleged that a gunshot and shouting was heard. It is further alleged that two unknown persons were seen fleeing the area shortly after the shot was heard.
The guards allegedly investigated and found the victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim was declared dead on the scene,” said Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson.
Koen Vermaak, 65, owner of Kerb-Master Storm Water Systems explained to the Herald his security guard was killed on his premises at around 11.30pm last Wednesday.
“This is tragic, the victim, 50, was employed by me for the last 20 years,” said Vermaak.
This came after suspects broke into his premises for the third time since last year. In March 2015, they cut the wires of the fence and stole a total of four truck batteries and an alarm. Since nothing came of the case, they could not claim from the insurance. In January this year, they once again cut the fence and stole batteries. But on 17 February, their entry to the premises had a fatal outcome.
Vermaak explains that these incidents are causing him tremendous financial strain and stress as security in his premises needs to be upgraded. He now needs to carry the cost of walling, extra lights, extra cameras just to mention a few. Vermaak also needs to move his trucks as it is no longer safe on his premises.
Vermaak has, since that evening, made cement shoe prints of one of the suspects and also collected some thread from the suspects clothing. His personnel is also busy making a reward board, where passers by can clearly see that a reward is being offered for anybody that can help solve this case.
He added, “I hope the police will make work of this case”.
We can not carry on like this, this business is here to put food on people’s tables, not to spend ridiculous amounts of money on security.”
The Randfontein Police are urging any person who might be able to shed light on this incident to call the Police Crime line on 08600 10111 or the Randfontein detectives on 011 278 8100.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 413 8726.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!