Armed gang raids liquor stores in four South African areas
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on IOL
A gang of nine to 12 armed men robbed several liquor stores in Phoenix, Tongaat, Ballito and Waterloo, South Africa, before exchanging fire with Reaction Unit South Africa officers. One officer and two suspected attackers were injured, according to its head Prem Balram, quoted by IOL.
A gang of between nine and 12 heavily armed men robbed liquor stores in Phoenix, Tongaat, Ballito and Waterloo in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. The suspects opened fire on Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers who intervened at a Phoenix store, injuring one of them, the unit’s head, Prem Balram, said, according to IOL.
Two suspects were also reportedly hit by gunfire as they fled. Their vehicles reportedly sustained several bullet impacts. The group is said to be using a blue Volkswagen Polo and two white vehicles resembling a Hyundai i10 and a Suzuki Swift.
The criminals first neutralise security guards, force their way into the shops and, within minutes, steal only the most expensive bottles of alcohol, according to Prem Balram. Pastor Mervin Reddy, spokesman for the Phoenix Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, called for a stronger South African police presence as the festive season approaches.
The shootings and robberies took place at about 2.30am on Thursday, according to RUSA. Local authorities have announced no arrests in the case.
