Parking dispute leads to murder, suspect arrested

VERULAM – A 25 year old man was shot and killed with his own firearm during a parking dispute in the Verulam CBD on Saturday afternoon. Members of RUSA were called out to the corner of George Sewpersad/Moss & Ireland Street at approximately 14:01.

On their arrival, Reaction Officers discovered a male shot twice in the chest and once in the shoulder. He showed no signs of life and was declared deceased. The deceased’s colleague informed Reaction Officers that they parked their Hino 300 truck on the driveway of a business premises while delivering ice-cream to a local store when the driver of a white Isuzu bakkie confronted them.

An argument over the obstruction of the driveway led to the assault of the deceased by the driver of the Isuzu bakkie and two acquaintances. The deceased was deprived of his firearm during the physical altercation and shot twice. He attempted to flee, but was pursued and shot for the third time.

The suspects thereafter fled. The incident was witnessed by dozens of shoppers in the Central Business District. One of the suspects returned to the scene & handed himself and the deceased’s firearm over to Reaction Officers. He was placed under arrest by the Verulam SAPS.