Fireworks defense move backfires
A shopkeeper lost a thumb and finger after a firework exploded in his hand
AN attempt to scare off brazen midnight burglars had a painful outcome for a foreign storekeeper at Mzingazi on Sunday.
Waking in a back bedroom to the sound of the invaders trying to bash through the walls to gain entry to Buhle Supermarket, terrified Mohamed Afzal (32) grabbed the only defensive weapon he could find – a potent ‘big bomb’ fire cracker.
He lit it and lobbed it through the window above where the intruders had already created a hole large enough to fit through.
Alas, the firework bounced back off the burglar bars, exploding in his hand as he attempted to fend it off.
While the blast succeeded in frightening off the suspects, it also caused considerable injury to Sohel, who lost a thumb and a finger.
He was rushed to Ngwelezana Hospital by community caregiver, Sharon Mdletshe.
He will have a second operation on Friday.
‘I feel so sorry for these poor Pakistani immigrants who are here legally and are trying to make an honest living,’ said Mdletshe.
‘His brother Sohel Sahid was previously shot and robbed at the same store.
‘This time, despite two security guards near the scene, the criminals again had no fear to commit a crime.’
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