Mbabane – An armed gang allegedly forced a woman and her children to lead them to a particular family member before shooting him during a robbery at Mashobeni, Gege.
The incident happened at about 12:40am on October 5, when the unidentified suspects broke into the woman’s home and briefly held the 32-year-old woman and her children hostage.
According to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the suspects demanded money and stole E3 500 and two Samsung mobile phones from the woman.
The gang then demanded to see a 32-year-old male family member and forced the victims to take them to his home.
However, the man had apparently heard the commotion and went into hiding.
The suspects eventually located him and shot him several times in the left leg. Despite the injuries, he managed to escape through a window.
The gang then went to another house, where they attempted to attack a 72-year-old man.
The elderly man fought back and shot one of the suspects in the chest, killing him.
The other suspects fled after discovering that their accomplice had been shot, leaving his body behind.
Police later found the deceased suspect in possession of a pistol loaded with 17 live rounds of ammunition. An additional magazine containing eight live rounds was also recovered.
REPS is investigating the incident as a murder, attempted murder and robbery.
Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Shiselweni Regional Crime Branch Officer Superintendent Mthembu on 7603 3571 or Gege Desk Officer Sergeant Mahlalela on 7607 1112. Members of the public can also call 999, 9999 or 112 in an emergency.
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