Tragic Mistake: Bystanders Gunned Down by Security Guards in Benoni

Two bystanders in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, were shot and killed by security guards who mistook them for robbers while allegedly trying to steal guns following a cash-in-transit robbery. As reported by SowetanLIVE, the incident occurred yesterday morning when a BMW rammed into a Fidelity Guard security van, forcing it off the road. Armed with hand grenades, the robbers looted the van and left some money scattered on the ground as they took off.

A few minutes later, community members arrived, and two of them allegedly attempted to steal guns from the bombed van. Witnesses said that at this time, the guards opened fire inside the wrecked van and shot the two community members trying to open it. The guards were uninjured and were shooting in defence.

One of the deceased was Alpheus Makgoba, who lived in the area. Sophie April, his mother, said she left him sleeping with his brothers around 6 am when she left for work. His mother expressed her shock and heartbreak at the loss of her son.

Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe stated that the two men were innocent bystanders. Another male bystander was wounded and taken to a hospital for medical care. The police have mobilised resources to catch heavily armed suspects who stole an undisclosed amount of money following the robbery. So far, the police have recovered three getaway vehicles, including a burnt-out gold BMW sedan, a silver sedan, and a white Audi A1.

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Picture:  Pexels / Somchai Kongkamsri