An elderly businessman from Surrey Estate is in critical in hospital after he was robbed and shot at Vangate Mall on Monday morning.
Police say just before 9am, the 75-year-old was ambushed by three skelms who had followed him to the mall, where he went to the FNB bank to withdraw money.
According to a witness on the scene, the victim, a garage owner, is well-known in the area.
“He was watched because he goes to the bank every Monday. He must have withdrawn a large amount of cash for someone to be willing to shoot him for it,” says the source, who asked not to be identified.
“It was just outside the mall when the three guys approached him and opened fired. Everyone started running because you know it’s festive and this mall is always busy.
“As he collapsed, the guys drove off. I know it’s a green car but not sure about the make and model.
“It is sad. The poor man was just lying there in pain. He was shot in his stomach and in his back,” the witness explains.
TARGET: The 75-year-old Surrey Estate garage owner was shot at Vangate Mall after withdrawing money from an ATM
Daily Voice contacted the victim’s son for comment but the family did not want to speak to the media.
A source close to the family confirmed the man is not doing well, and asked for the victim’s identity to be withheld “for safety reasons”.
“He is currently critical in hospital and really is not looking well. The family is devastated. The uncle was shot in his stomach and spine,” the source said.
Daily Voice sent a query to Vangate Mall, but no response was received.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirmed the incident: “Cases of attempted murder and robbery have been opened for investigation after a 75-year-old man was shot and wounded (Monday) morning about 8.45am.
“According to reports, the incident occurred at Heideveld Road in Athlone. The victim was followed by three suspects driving a green Hyundai.
“The victim was shot in his body. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.”
Rwexana says no arrests have been made yet.