Slain robber was cop’s son
Durban - The son of a Durban policeman, part of a five-man gang involved in robberies, has been shot dead in a home robbery in Clare Estate.
|||Durban - The son of a Durban policeman, part of a five-man gang involved in robberies, has been shot dead in a home robbery in Clare Estate.
On Monday evening, the men broke a lock on a gate to gain entry into the house of a SANDF member.
The family were believed to be having supper when they heard noises at the front door and the men stormed in.
Police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, said the SANDF member fired shots and one suspect was killed.
“The suspects fired shots, wounding the wife in her foot.”
A reliable source said the SANDF member pushed his family into the bathroom and grabbed his pistol.
It is alleged that as he walked into the passage, one of the robbers struck him on the head with a pickaxe. He managed to keep his balance and fired several shots until the men ran off.
One of the robbers was found dead inside the house in a pool of blood.
The others fled in a Mercedes-Benz which police believe had been involved in several robberies in the area.
Two gruesome pictures of the deceased lying in a pool of blood have been circulating on social media sites. The pictures were too gruesome to be published.
The dead robber was dressed in blue jeans, takkies and a T-shirt. He wore black gloves.
The head of the pickaxe can also be seen in the picture.
It is unclear where the SANDF member is based. His wife was taken to hospital.
The shocked children have been taken to a relative’s home.
Police from the trio crimes task team (made up of members from hijacking, business robbery and house robbery units) have taken over the investigation.
A case of house robbery has been registered at Sydenham police station.
Police are tight-lipped about the identity of the dead man, the name of his father and the unit he belongs to.
Sydenham Community Police Forum chairman, Mansoor Akoo, praised the homeowner for protecting his family first and not shooting erratically.
“He was well-disciplined, brave and protected by God. Brazen robberies are a daily occurrence and people have had enough. You are not safe in your own home, it seems.”
Daily News
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