Neesha Maharaj|Published
CCTV footage shows a heavily armed gang breaking into a Phoenix liquor store before a shoot-out with Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers.
Prem Balram, head of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), said when reaction officers arrived, the suspects opened fire on them on Thursday, at around 2.30am.
He said this triggered a gun battle between the officers and the armed robbers.
“One RUSA officer was shot, while two suspects are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds while fleeing the scene.
“The suspects’ vehicles are also believed to have been struck by multiple gunshots.”
Balram said the syndicate has targeted several liquor outlets in Phoenix, Tongaat, Ballito, and Waterloo.
“The syndicate of between nine and 12 suspects are heavily armed, and are targeting stores during the early hours of the morning.
“The suspects are believed to be using a blue Volkswagen Polo and two white vehicles resembling a Hyundai i10 and a Suzuki Swift.
“The group allegedly holds up security guards before forcing entry into the stores and stealing only expensive liquor within minutes. They then flee the scenes in their vehicles,” he added.
Pastor Mervin Reddy spokesperson for the Phoenix Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum said it was important for businesses to engage extra security services in the run up to the festive season.
He said businesses should put measures in place to curb shoplifting which may result in customers paying higher prices for goods.
“As the festive season approaches people look forward to shopping and going out more. We warn our community and residents to avoid drawing large sums of cash, instead make card payments. If you are going to carry large amounts of cash go out in large groups. Criminals target people who are alone.
“Carry less valuables in your handbags. When parking your vehicles motorists should keep valuables in their car booths and not on cars where it is visible to criminals,” said Reddy.
He said the community of Phoenix required a SAPS deployment in the run up to the festive season to mitigates the crimes that were likely to happen during this time.