Supermarket chain Pick ‘n Pay has expressed concern over the safety of staff, after a security guard was fatally shot during a robbery at its Waterstone Village branch in Somerset West on Sunday.

“We are very ‎sad to report that a security guard from G4S was shot and killed during the robbery. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this tragic time,” the company said in a statement.

An armed robbery occurred at around 9am on Sunday morning while a G4S security guard was collecting cash. While trying to leave, two men approached the store, wounding a security guard after shooting him.

“One of the suspects produced a firearm and fatally wounded the guard. They grabbed the boxes and fled the scene, with an undisclosed amount of cash,” said SAPS spokesperson FC Van Wyk.

“The suspects fled the scene in a silver Toyota Corolla with a false number plate,” added Van Wyk

Although the two men are unidentifiable, one man was disguised as a woman.

“He was dressed as a woman wearing a pink blouse matching pink pants and brown hat,” said Van Wyk.
The name of the security guard has not yet been released.

Pick ‘n Pay is working with the police to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of its staff and customers.

“Pick n Pay are co-operating fully with the SAPS including providing CCTV footage of the incident,” the company stated.

A murder and robbery case has been opened. No arrests have been made but an investigation is under way.

This incident is the latest in a string of mall and store robberies to hit the Western Cape in recent weeks. Over the past two weeks, Canal Walk was targeted three times. By working with police, the centre’s management has now implemented stricter security measures, including random search checks at various entry points. VOC (Nailah Cornelissen)