Security officer shot dead during armed robbery
JANE FURSE – A security officer was shot and killed last Thursday, 05 March 2020, at the Jane Furse Plaza during a business robbery by a group of unknown suspects.
According to police it is alleged that a 51 year-old security officer, who was on duty with his colleagues, was posted inside the shopping complex while other officers were at the main entrance at about 00:01 that morning when they noticed suspicious movements of unknown people inside the premises.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said shortly after that, he suspects confronted the security officers and in that process, the 51 year-old security officer was shot and killed. The suspects allegedly dragged his body and tried to hide it behind a nearby shack.
“Police were alerted about the incident and reacted swiftly. Upon arrival, a shootout ensued between the police and the suspects. The suspects managed to escape on foot. Police then commenced with investigations,” explained Mojapelo.
Mojapelo said during investigations, it was discovered that the front doors of two stores at the shopping complex were damaged and that the suspects managed to blast a safe inside one of the stores. Some of the cigarettes believed to be the ones stolen from the store were recovered at the scene, added Mojapelo.
He said the suspects managed to get away with an undisclosed amount of money. Cases of murder and business robbery were opened. The deceased 51 year-old security officer was identified as Michael Sumane.
A manhunt for the unknown suspects had been launched and police are appealing to members of the community with any information that can assist in the arrest of the suspects involved to urgently contact Captain Mnisi at 082 776 4573, the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.
