A 55-year-old man was fatally shot by assailants in a brutal robbery. The victim, who was with his family, was targeted by the notorious Rolex gang, known for their high-profile watch thefts.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the man was murdered in the parking lot of the restaurant.
The attack happened as he was getting out of his vehicle. The gang, which has gained infamy for following victims and robbing them of their luxury watches, managed to steal the man’s Rolex watch, valued at approximately R350,000.
Police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza reported that the Boksburg North police are handling the case, which involves both armed robbery and murder. At this point, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is still ongoing.
An anonymous source close to the investigation revealed that the assailants had been tracking the victim for some time.
The man had first been seen shopping at Lakeside Mall in Benoni. The source stated that the victim was then followed to Builders Warehouse in Boksburg before arriving at the Birchwood Spur.
The attackers were reportedly driving two vehicles, with one entering the parking lot while the other stayed nearby.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Paramedics, private security, and SAPS responded quickly, but the victim was declared dead at the scene.
His body was covered with a space blanket next to his vehicle. Eyewitnesses said that the shooting happened very quickly, leaving everyone in shock.
Birchwood Spur, known for being busy with families on Sundays, was stunned by the violence.
A waiter at the restaurant expressed their shock and confusion, saying, “It happened so fast that we didn’t immediately understand what was happening.”
Restaurant owner Johan Erasmus expressed relief that no one else was hurt and offered support to those affected. The restaurant is cooperating with the police and providing trauma counseling.
Local ward councillor Simon Lapping expressed his disgust at the crime, stating that it represents a severe decline in safety. He called on the police to thoroughly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
A manhunt for the attackers is underway, with reports indicating that the suspects' vehicle was seen heading towards Alexandra, outside Sandton, after the shooting.
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