Guard arrested after allegedly shooting customer in the face over mask row

An argument over face masks turned violent in Kimberley with a security guard arrested after allegedly shooting a customer in the head.

According to a statement issued by South African Police Service Spokesperson Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba the guard was arrested and his firearm confiscated.

Security guard allegedly shoots customer in the face

An argument between the two parties centred around lockdown level four regulations regarding the mandatory wearing of cloth face coverings in public.

The altercation reportedly started when a prospective customer attempted to enter the petrol station store guarded by the 37-year-old. The customer was not wearing a face mask or covering and the guard refused access to the store and in the ensuing fracas, a firearm was discharged with a bullet striking the customer in the face.

The unidentified customer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. police could provide no update on their condition.

“Police in Kimberley have arrested a 37-year-old security guard in connection with the case of attempted murder,” Brigadier Ramatseba said.

“It is reported yesterday Friday 01 May, a security guard was manning access to the shop at a filling Station in Kimberley at about 17:20. It is alleged the security guard denied access to a 36-year-old customer who was not wearing face mask to the shop. It is alleged an argument ensued between the security guard and the customer. The customer was allegedly shot in the face.

“The victim was rushed to the local Hospital for treatment.

“The security guard has been arrested and the firearm used has been confiscated for further investigation.

“The suspect is expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrates Court on Monday 4 May 2020.”

The SAPS have condemned the incident and called upon all South Africans to show patience and restraint during the stressful time of lockdown.

“The South African Police Service strongly condemns [the incident in Kimberley] and calls upon everybody to exercise patience and cooperation with the purpose of fighting the pandemic,” said The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Risimati Peter Shivuri.

South Africans are reminded that wearing a face covering of some sort when in public is mandatory during stage four of the national lockdown. 

Lockdown regulations are enforced by the SAPS, Metro law enforcement and the South African National Defence force and citizens are instructed not to take the law into their own hands.

Citizens who wish to report breaches of lockdown regulations should call 10111 or the crime stop tip-off number 086 001 0111.