A 42-year-old security guard was shot in the leg after allegedly refusing to assist armed men who were attempting to loot a truck at a truck stop behind Musina China Mall. The incident happened shortly after midnight on Saturday, 6 June.
According to police, the security officer was on duty at about 00:45 when he was approached by five men wearing balaclavas. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a firearm.
The group allegedly forced the guard to accompany them to a truck parked on the premises. When he arrived, he noticed that the vehicle's rear door had already been opened.
Police said the suspects ordered the guard to help offload goods from the truck. He allegedly refused.
One of the men then slapped him and, when he screamed for help, another suspect drew a firearm and shot him in the right thigh.
The attackers fled on foot into nearby bushes.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported the injured guard to hospital for treatment.
During a search of the area, police recovered food items that had allegedly been removed from the truck and hidden in surrounding bushes. Investigators also found a bolt cutter believed to have been used during the attempted theft.
Police said the truck driver, a Malawian national, confirmed that all the stolen goods had been recovered and that nothing was ultimately missing from the load.
Cases of attempted murder and truck looting are being investigated.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a manhunt for the five suspects is underway.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Sergeant Steven Tshikoba on 082 319 9607, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or submit information through the MySAPSApp.