At approximately 10h41 this morning, the Marshall Security Emergency Dispatch Centre was alerted via a Whatsapp Crime Alert Group, that the sound of gunshots could be heard outside a well known shopping centre in the Durban North area. Witnesses also reported seeing a white vehicle, with significant damage to its rear window, speeding away towards Kenneth Kaunda Road.
Responding swiftly to the call, multiple Armed Response Officers and members of our Special Operations Team rushed to the scene who arrived on scene within 3 minutes.
On scene, it was established that an unknown amount of armed suspects had stormed into a well known cell phone retail store and held the staff up at gunpoint and proceeded to steal multiple cell phones and laptops. A customer present during the incident was also robbed of his cell phone and personal items by the assailants as they prepared to flee the scene.
In a brave but risky move, a staff member attempted to stop the robbers’ escape by hurling an object at their vehicle, managing to damage the rear glass. However, this act of defiance led to the staff member being shot in the left leg by the fleeing criminals.
First Aid was administered at the scene by members of our Special Operations Team before the injured individual was transported to a hospital for further medical care by a private ambulance service.
Despite an intensive search operation in the vicinity, the culprits managed to elude capture.
The Durban North SAPS arrived promptly and will be initiating an investigation into the brazen daytime business robbery and attempted murder.
This incident underscores the perilous nature of crime in our community and the bravery of those who find themselves in the face of danger. Marshall Security commends the swift response of all units involved and extends our wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured staff member.
