Two security guards were shot and killed while on duty in Hillbrow last night, 10 February, and a service pistol was stolen from them by unidentified armed men.
The incident happened in full view of bystanders and motorists near the scene.
The officers, aged 45 and 50, were sitting inside the security service vehicle on the corner of Caroline and Claim streets in Hillbrow when they were accosted by the suspects who shot at them.
According to the Gauteng police, the two security guards were shot in the upper body and certified dead on the scene. A firearm was taken from one of the victims.
Captain Mavela Masondo, the spokesperson for the Gauteng police, said a manhunt has been launched for the suspects.
“The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage and the police have opened two cases of murder for investigation,” said Masondo.
“We are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help us arrest the suspects or help in the investigation to please call the nearest police station or crime stop on 08600 10111.”
Video footage of the incident is doing rounds on social media and shows two suspects approaching the car from the right and two from the left. One suspect put his arm into the car window. It is unclear what happened after that. A motorist parked behind the patrol vehicle reverses to get away from the shooting. Just before the suspects fled the scene, another suspect was seen shooting towards the shops nearby, however, no one was reported to have been injured.
National Security and Fire Management released a statement condemning the brutal killing of their security officers, saying this was the second incident in just six months.
The statement also named the two officers as Bhekumzi Luxon Mzolo – a responding supervisor – and Joseph Skhosana – a response officer – from the Johannesburg north branch.
According to the statement, the team was dispatched to do a store closing in Hillbrow.
“We suspect that these criminals planned to rob the store but as the five criminals approached the store, they noticed the National vehicle and walked up to the vehicle and shot both response officers in cold blood,” read the statement.
“The CEO of National Security and Fire, Yagan Nair, was on the scene in the early hours of the morning with a team of National employees. Our people put their lives on the line every day to protect our clients and ultimately make South Africa safer, and we will continue to do so. We will not allow these criminal elements in this country to get away with this murderous behaviour.”
The company further stated that this was the second brutal incident the industry had experienced in the last six months, and the company conveyed heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved families.
Click here to watch the video on the Intelligence Bureau SA Facebook page
Details: Gauteng police, 10111.
The scene in Hillbrow JHB where two security were shot dead and robbed of their firearms. They were sitting in their car as the rain came down. #CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/uO2N9rrStn
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) February 11, 2019
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