DURBAN - A SHOP owner was stabbed during a violent robbery on Tuesday at his tuck shop while trying to fend off suspected robbers on Greenbury Drive, Phoenix.
The attack, carried out by a group of armed men, resulted in the shopkeeper sustaining a stab wound to his hand as he attempted to resist the armed gang's demands for cash and valuables.
It is alleged that five mens brandishing weapons stormed into the shop demanding money and possessions, including the owner's cellphone.
In the heat of the confrontation, the shop owner attempted to fight back, but was injured in the process.
The suspects apparently made off with a Samsung mobile phone and approximately R1000 in cash.
Response teams from Empire Protection Services were reacted to reports of a robbery in progress.
At the scene they were informed of the escalating situation and managed to apprehend one of the suspects in the vicinity of the local swimming pool. He was also found to be in possession of a white narcotic substance.
Empire Protection Services confirmed in a statement: “The shopkeeper was treated by paramedics on the scene for the injuries sustained and refused further medical treatment.”
Formal charges are expected to be brought against the arrested man.
The attack on the shopkeeper follows the incident where a 55-year-old man was fatally stabbed during a robbery in the Claymanor area on Monday.
Eyewitnesses’ report that the victim was on his way to his pick-up point for work when he was targeted by armed men who fled with an undisclosed sum of money after the confrontation. Emergency medical responders from KZN VIP declared the victim dead at the scene, raising alarm bells regarding public safety in the community.
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DAILY NEWS