Shots fired and businessman injured during Umbilo armed robbery

Muliple shots were fired and a man was shot and injured shortly after leaving a bank in Bartle Road, Umbilo this morning.
“The businessman was walking to his car from a nearby shop when he was allegedly accosted by four balaclava-clad suspects,” said Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios. “He had unknowingly been followed from a bank prior to the incident. The armed suspects rushed at him as he approached his car after walking out of the shop.
“A scuffle broke out, two shots were fired and the armed suspects sped off in an unknown direction in their getaway vehicle. The gang escaped with a large, undisclosed amount of cash,” said Mathios. The injured man, who had sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and shoulder, was rushed to hospital for further medical treatment by a nearby resident. Blue Security cordoned off the area and handed the scene over to Umbilo SAPS for further investigation.
“Members of the public are always at risk of being followed by opportunistic thieves after carrying out transactions at the bank,” warned Mathios. “However, in most cases, those who are handling large amounts of cash are observed days before an incident occurs.
It is therefore extremely important to take precautions when transporting cash.”
These include:
• Try not to travel alone. Robbers are more likely to attack a person if they are on their own.
• Change up your route and time and day of doing business at the bank.
• Try to avoid obvious means of carrying cash like briefcases and money-bags.
• Stay away from quiet, secluded areas when walking between the bank and your vehicle or destination.
• Be aware of suspicious vehicles, pedestrians or individuals maybe wearing helmets loitering nearby.
“Most importantly, never try to resist an attack or attempted ‘grab’ of your valuables on your person. The attacker/s may be carrying weapons. It’s not worth risking your life to protect your personal belongings or cash,” Mathios said.