Attempted robbery turns deadly in Gugulethu as courier staff fight back
Police officers inspect the area in Gugulethu where an armed robbery suspect was fatally shot by a courier driver's assistant during an attempted hijacking on Thursday.
Image: File Picture: Henk Kruger
An armed robbery suspect was shot dead and his accomplice injured after a courier vehicle hijacking attempt went wrong in Gugulethu on Thursday morning.
The driver's assistant opened fire on the suspects when they tried to steal the delivery vehicle after robbing the crew of their mobile phones.
Police recovered an unregistered firearm at the scene beside the deceased suspect's body, while the wounded suspect was taken to hospital under police guard.
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said: “Gugulethu SAPS members confirmed the incident Godongwana Street, Lusaka, Gugulethu
“On their arrival at the scene [at around 10.10am] they interviewed the driver of an independent courier company who informed them about a group of males positively armed who robbed them of their cellular telephones and who wanted to hijacked the vehicle.
“The driver’s assistant retaliated and shot at the group of males, fatally wounding an 18 year old male (gunshot wound to the chest) and injuring a 19-year-old male.
“The injured male was taken under police guard to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“A 9mm firearm without a serial number was found next to the body of the deceased. This firearm was handed in as an exhibit.
“The firearm which was used by the driver’s assistant, a Rossi revolver was confiscated and handed in as exhibit and further processing.
“Gugulethu police registered an inquest case for investigation. Motive is believed to be robbery.”
Anyone with information about this shooting incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.