Manzini-The community of Vusweni under the Manzini region was thrown into chaos on Saturday evening after two men attempted to rob an Asian businessman shop at gunpoint.
The suspects were caught and beaten by residents before police officers arrived at the scene, after the two suspects fired a shot inside the shop when suddenly the Asian man came running outside and called for help.
According to witnesses, the two men entered the shop pretending to be customers. Moments later, they pulled out firearms and demanded money from the shop owner. However, their plan failed after the shopkeeper acted quickly.
“I became fearless. I closed the door quickly when the guys pointed a gun on us and ran outside to call for help,” said the shop owner.
“I knew if I panicked, they were going to harm me and the customers inside.”
As the alarm was raised, community members rushed to the shop and confronted the suspects.
Outnumbered, the robbers were overpowered and disarmed after firing two shots at them. Some residents admitted that emotions ran high, and the two were assaulted heavily before being handed over to the police.
One resident explained that the community could not allow crime to go unchecked. “These people think they can just come and disturb our peace and get away with it no! We stood together as a community, and we showed them that crime will not win here they were used to and usually get away with it but today “bebangeke baskhone,” he said.
The residents from the area described the incident as a reminder to always remain alert. They stated that they were tired of criminals coming into their villages with guns and rob them their hard earned profit. They will always watch out for one another and protect our shops and families,” she said.
Chief Police Information and communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the incident of the attack and robbery on the Asian business man by three armed men at Vusweni.
Vilakati also confirmed that two suspects were captured by a mob while trying to escape and were heavily assaulted after being disarmed.
“The two criminals were both certified dead upon arrival at the Releigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, while the third suspect managed to escape and an investigation is being conducted,” said Vilakati.
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