Police are investigating an inquest case after a suspect was fatally shot by an armed citizen who defended himself and his son from the ruthless gang, at the intersection of Botanic Gardens and Berea Road, on Thursday afternoon.
EThekwini District Communications Officer, Captain Carmen Rhynes, said: “The victim and his son were walking south and they were on foot, just past the intersection when they were accosted by four males. They suddenly lunged towards both victims and began throttling the son. The father tried to flee across the road and was followed by the remaining three males. The suspects were about to stab him when he drew his licensed firearm and fired two warning shots into the air, shouting at the suspects to back off. The suspects nevertheless, continued to approach the father. He had no option but to fire another shot as the suspect tried to attack him. The bullet struck the suspect in his right thigh area. The suspect ran a few metres before collapsing and dying on Berea Road.” The remaining suspects fled in different directions and the victim’s cellphone, valued at R1 200, was taken along with his bank card. “The deceased was approximately 28 years old and had a screwdriver which was seized as an exhibit. The victim’s 9mm firearm and ammunition were also seized. A docket of inquest and robbery was opened. No arrests have been made as yet,” added Capt Rhynes. Emer-G-Med paramedics responded to the scene of the shooting incident and spokesperson, Kyle Van Reenen, said: “On arrival, a male, believed to be approximately 30 years of age, was found to have sustained a fatal gunshot wound and he was declared dead on the scene. Reports from the scene allege that the man attempted to rob and stab a victim who retaliated, firing a shot in defence of their life.”
