Durban - KwaMashu police are hunting down those responsible for the murder of two security guards who were shot and robbed of their firearms recently.
A third guard is in hospital recovering from gunshot wounds.
The men, who were employed by Imvula Quality Protection, were guarding eThekwini Municipality electricity unit staff who were conducting a repair to a transformer on the road.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala, the police received a report of a shooting at the corner of Amanzimtoti and Ilovu roads in KwaMashu.
She said that on arrival at the scene, the police found the bodies of two security officials, aged 35 and 47, inside a bakkie with multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies.
“They were both declared dead at the scene. A third guard sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. It was established that the victims were also robbed of their pistols.” The electricity department employees were unharmed. Police at the scene said more than 35 cartridge casings were found on the road.
EThekwini ward 40 councillor Sikelela Emmanuel Mhlongo described the incident as tragic, not only for the families but also for residents of that road. Mhlongo said municipal departments and their workers were overstretched on the ground, dealing with complaints and also fixing damaged infrastructure from the April flooding.
“Incidents like this make it difficult for services to be rolled out to people, especially at night. Staff will be reluctant to work at night. Workers will fear for their lives. Electricity is a critical commodity these days,” Mhlongo said.
He said city management should beef up security for workers on the ground. He said the municipal management and mayor had an entourage of bodyguards and several police protection service vehicles at their disposal. He added that this was a waste of resources that should have been allocated to municipal workers on the ground.
“Durban metro police should have provided back-up for this work team. This incident will have an impact on service delivery in all communities. Residents should step up and help the police catch the suspects. Residents should protect key infrastructure in their communities.”
EThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the city was aware of the matter, but could not comment further because it was the subject of a police investigation.
“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the security guards. We ask that the police be given space to investigate this matter.”
Charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery were being investigated by KwaMashu SAPS.
Daily News