GEORGE NEWS - A 25-year-old Somalian man was shot and killed during a robbery at a shop in Zone 4, Thembalethu, last night, 11 May.

According to information supplied to George Herald, the young man was approached by three individuals who said they wanted to buy some goods.

 Although the shop had officially closed, customers were still being assisted through a security gate.

The employee obliged and stepped away to fetch the requested items. Upon his return, one of the men forced his way through the gate, followed by the others who entered the shop and demanded money.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies confirmed that the incident took place at about 21:20. 

“According to available reports, the police were dispatched to the premises in Lusaka Street. Upon their arrival, the officers found the victim with a gunshot wound to the chest," said Spies.

"It is alleged that three suspects, at least two of whom were armed with firearms, had entered the shop and demanded cash. They fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, and a shot was fired during their escape."

The chairperson of the Southern Cape Foreign Business Association, business owner Liban Ali, has identified the deceased as Mohamed Elmi Mahad.

Mahad will be buried before sunset today, 12 May, in accordance with Islamic custom.

The suspects remain at large, and the police have appealed to the public for any information that may assist in identifying or locating them.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Thembalethu detectives on 044 802 8951 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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