A single gunshot echoed through the parking lot of Northgate Shopping Centre killing a G4S cash-in-transit security guard.
Shortly after 2.30pm on 26 September the 34-year-old was killed outside the Pick ‘n Pay entrance. The guard allegedly pleaded for them to take the money and spare his life, but there was no negotiating.
“I was on my way to Pick ‘n Pay and turned the corner at Pep Stores when I saw a crowd of people running inside the store, says Jeff Le Fleur. I was walking with Jan Serfontein who, at 77-years-old, could not run away. When the suspect pointed the AK47 at Serfontein I quickly pulled him away. A gunshot then went off and I heard the
money box fall to the ground.”
Two suspects jumped into the back of black get-away vehicle idling at the entrance of Pick ‘n Pay and sped off.
Kirsten Van der Nest from G4S security was unable to answer any questions as the incident is under internal and police investigation. “The safety of our employees is of critical importance to us and we are deeply saddened by this incident. We are in contact with the deceased’s family, and will provide support and care during this difficult time.”
“Our condolences are with the victim’s family as well as the transit company involved, says Michelle Papastefanou, Marketing Manager of Northgate Shopping Centre. “The Centre Management are proud of the manner in which Northgate security reacted and controlled the situation by calling for backup, alerting the SAPS, requesting an ambulance, assisting the police and helping protect the crime scene.”
A Honeydew police officer on the scene confirmed that three suspicious males were responsible for the robbery and a G4S security employee was shot in close range and died on the scene. Police have identified one of the suspects through security footage of the incident but can only release his name once he has been charged.
