Police are currently investigating a case of attempted murder and business robbery following an incident that took place at a popular restaurant in the uMgeni Park area on Thursday.
Dozens of patrons were left traumatised with three seriously injured after four suspects allegedly opened fire in the restaurant during peak dining hours. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the shooting is being investigated by Greenwood Park Police Station.
“It is alleged that the employees were performing their duties when they were accosted by unknown men who robbed them of an undisclosed amount of money and cellphones. While fleeing, the suspects are reported to have opened fire and wounded three customers who were transported to hospital for medical attention,” said Col Netshiunda.
Taking to Facebook, Christopher Lowe, a patron and witness to the incident described the ordeal as a “brutal instance of drama, that we all read about so often”.
He said: “We all hit the floor and guns were put to our heads. Besides the shooting of customers so many people were ‘relieved’ of their wallets, jewellery and other valuables. The bloody aftermath was silent, shocked mayhem aside for the cries of those who were shot. We left an ongoing crime scene shocked and shaky, but just grateful to be alive.”
Kyle Van Reenen, spokesperson for Emer-G-Med, who was one of the first responders on scene, said he found the victims fighting for their lives. “Paramedics responded to find three men in a critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds, fighting for their lives. A six-year-old girl lay on the floor in fear. Thugs shot her dad, then pointed a gun in her face. What should have been a happy family dinner, turned out to be another South African statistic. This is real and it’s happening everyday,” said Van Reenen.
In a press release, the management of the establishment extended their support to patrons and staff and thanked the first responders for their work.
“We would just like to say thank you to all of our customers for all their support. We have received messages from near and far and feel so grateful for all of the love and support that you have all sent us. We would like to ask you to please keep those that were injured in the shooting in your thoughts and prayers. We would also like to say thank you to all the first responders, Marshall Security and iMvula security, as well as the CPF. You all did a brilliant job assisting with the injuries and keeping everyone calm. Lastly, to our customers that had to endure the trauma of (the) night, we will be keeping all of you in our thoughts, and would like to say thank you for your support.”
