DURBAN - THE security guard who was shot last Wednesday during a robbery at a jewellery store in the Gateway shopping centre has succumbed to his injuries.
A group of robbers stormed the jewellery store and held up staff at gunpoint. Police said in a statement last week that while the suspects were fleeing, they came across the security guard and opened fire.
At the time of the incident, Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst said the guard had been shot in the abdomen and sustained critical injuries.
Security guard Sihle Zulu, who worked for Excellerate Services, died on Friday night.
Excellerate Services confirmed his death.
“Tactical officer Sihle Zulu unfortunately succumbed to his wounds last night just before 8pm. He was shot on Wednesday during an armed robbery at Gateway.
“In his passing, we have lost not only a colleague, but also a gentleman and friend, known for his passion for life and his work as a tactical officer.”
Carol van Tonder, the owner of Independent Crisis Team, said on Facebook that she was devastated by Zulu’s death.
“I had hope that he will pull through, he was a true gentleman always smiling and friendly. His towering presence was always something to be admired, a true hero,” said Van Tonder.
Shane Cox wrote on Facebook: "It's heartbreaking to lose good men and women to oxygen thieves and I wish all our officers protection, peace and safety. Security officers play a vital role in crime fighting and besides long working hours, they place their lives on the line for all of us, without much protection from ruthless gangs of well armed criminals. May the Excellerate family and the late Sihle Zulu family, friends and colleagues find strength over this extremely sad period and prayers to all. Hero, Respect and Salute."
The Durban Crime News & Community Control Room Facebook page posted: "Our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues in this time of grief. We feel the loss of this Brother in Arms. We honour Sihle & uplift his memory by recommitting ourselves to the fight against crime.Rest in peace, Brother."
The police are searching for suspects.
THE MERCURY