DURBAN - A 31-year-old man who is believed to be the owner of a shebeen was murdered in the early hours of this morning in his house in Osindisweni in Verulam.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said it is alleged that today (Tuesday) at 5am, a 31-year-old man was sleeping at his place of residence when he was fatally shot by three gunmen.
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said members of the security company were sent to the scene after the controller on duty received a call from the deceased man’s sister who reported the shooting.
Balram said when Rusa members arrived on the scene they found a crowd gathered outside the house.
“Rusa medics were directed to the living room where the man was found lying on a sofa. Upon examination, he was found to have sustained a gunshot wound to his head and chest. He showed no signs of life and was pronounced deceased,” he said.
Balram said according to the victim's brother, he was asleep in his room which he shared with his girlfriend when three suspects gained entry through his bedroom window.
“They were forced to lay face down on the floor when two of the suspects proceeded to his brother's room and asked him to open the door. Three shots were fired in the passage after his brother refused to open up for them. The suspects then broke the door and entered the room. An altercation broke out before the victim was shot,” he said.
He said the suspects ransacked the house which is also known to be a shebeen.
“They allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of cash and alcohol before they fled in an unknown vehicle,” said Balram.
He said that no other injuries were reported.
The police said a case of murder was opened at Verulam police station for investigation.
