Cape Town police are searching for four suspects involved in a botched robbery at the Howard Centre shopping district in Pinelands on Monday afternoon.
Story Summary:
- A 62-year-old Chinese national was shot during a failed robbery outside Howard Centre in Pinelands, Cape Town, on Monday afternoon.
- The suspects attempted to steal a black bag containing documents and a laptop, resulting in gunfire.
- The victim, struck in the chest, was taken to the hospital, and the assailants fled the scene without any loot.
- Cape Town police are still searching for the four men involved.
Howard Centre shooting: Here’s everything we know
According to Western Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie, the shooting incident occurred at approximately 15:15 when a 62-year-old Chinese national was attacked near the library inside the centre.
The suspects reportedly attempted to rob the man of a black bag containing documents and a laptop.
A struggle ensued between the victim and the assailants. During the altercation, multiple shots were fired, with one bullet striking the man in the chest.
Witnesses reported hearing the gunshots and seeing the victim run toward the library entrance before collapsing between a sidewalk and a parking bay.
Paramedics responded quickly to the scene, where they attended to the wounded man.
Police cordoned off the area with tape to preserve the crime scene, while concerned onlookers watched in shock at what had unfolded in what is normally a calm suburban environment.
The suspects fled the scene empty-handed and remain at large.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities have launched an investigation and appeal to the public for any information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest.