The horrific assassination of a man at a branch of Capitec Bank at Manny’s, Welkom, has sent shock waves through the local community.
The man was standing in queue to withdraw cash from an ATM at Manny’s on Saturday, 17 August, at about 12:30, when he was shot several times at point-blank range.
Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the SAPS in Lejweleputswa, says the man was shot at even after he had fallen to the ground.
“A female employee of the bank sustained a gunshot wound to her leg, and a client who was inside the bank sustained a gunshot wound to his knee,” says Thakeng.
A 13-year-old was injured inside of the bank when bullets hit the bank’s windows. Four other bank personnel were admitted to a Welkom hospital and were treated for shock.
According to eyewitnesses two men fled the scene in a blue Toyota Yaris with ND Lesotho number plates.
The man who sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his face and body was certified dead at the scene.
Jade Lotriet, spokesperson for the banking group, says they want to extend their deepest condolences to the family of the victim.
“We will be in contact with the family of the deceased as soon as we are able. We have offered counselling to our staff and anyone who was there to witness the incident and are currently working closely with the SAPS on their investigation,” she says.
Lotriet says the banking group is deeply concerned about violent crime and wants to assure that the safety and security of the clients and staff is priority.
The Manny’s branch will be closed and will only open on Tuesday as a sign of respect for the affected.
Anyone with information that could leading to the arrest of the suspected hit men are requested to contact Det. Sgt. Andrew Lechesa of the Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes unit on 060-985-9330, or to dial the Crime Stop number, 08600-10111.
