SWIFT detective work by the police resulted in the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the gang who shot and killed six people during a robbery at a Vulindlela shopping complex on Friday night.
Police spokesperson Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose confirmed the two arrests in Ngwelezane and eSikhaleni on Tuesday morning. He said the men – aged 32 and 39 – will face six murder charges, as well as charges of attempted murder and armed robbery.
They appeared in the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon (Thursday).
‘The third suspect is still at large, but it is unclear if more suspects were involved. Our investigations are still underway,’ Mdlalose said.
Scores of shoppers were left traumatised after three gunmen burst into a shopping centre supermarket and then rained bullets on bystanders as they fled with cash.
Supermarket manager Abraham Mohamed said he had not yet recovered from the ordeal.
‘It was like a horror movie. When the gunmen stormed into my shop two minutes before closing, they never uttered a word. They simply opened fire at everyone.’
ALSO READ: Five die in robbery shoot-out
Mohamed said he was counting money with his colleague when the shooting started.
Two security guards posted at the door died instantly.
‘They were caught completely unawares. They never even had a chance to react or take cover. The robbers were ruthless, just like terrorists,’ said Mohamed.
‘They carried on shooting as they made their way towards the office, which is in a strongroom. They blasted all the padlocks with bullets to get access.
‘I threw myself on the ground and it was then that they killed the third security guard.
With scores of people running for cover and screaming, the gunmen grabbed the cash and fled.
‘They damaged almost all our CCTV cameras with bullets and when they left they just carried on shooting, killing two innocent bystanders,’ said the traumatised shop manager.
One of the victims was sitting in his car under a tree, the other simply passing through while running errands.
Another bystander was wounded as he ran for cover and died the following day, bringing the death count to six.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
