Investigations into the attempted business robbery and fatal shooting of a shop owner outside his Roma Italia outlet on Twist and Kotze Streets in Hillbrow on 1 March, continue.
Sergeant Mduduzi Zondo, Hillbrow police spokesperson, said a murder docket has been opened by Hillbrow police. “We have not made any arrests but police investigations are continuing. We are following every possible lead that could be followed at this stage,” he said.
City Buzz reported previously that at about 11.30am on 1 March, two men entered the Roma Italia shop before allegedly pointing a gun at shop employees in what appeared to be a robbery gone wrong. “[In the on-going investigations] police have established that the motive for the shooting was a business robbery,” Zondo confirmed.
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“Upon entering [the premises], the perpetrators demanded money from the shopkeepers, after which the shooting ensued.”
After the incident, City Buzz spoke to a shop owner in the area and heard that the victim sustained a bullet wound to the chest and was frantically rushed to a Randburg hospital by shocked family members. However, he was certified dead upon arrival.
Family members, who have expressed despair at the incident, have continued business trading in the hope that inroads will be made. They have, however, refrained from providing any comment relating to the incident.
Although no items were reported as stolen from the shop, it is suggested that about four suspects fled the scene in a white Ford Ranger with an unknown number plate.
Anyone with information about the shooting and attempted robbery can contact Hillbrow police on 011 488 6511.
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