Son killed, dad wounded in robbery

BUSINESS owners in KwaDukuza want the police to provide an effective plan to curb crime in the CBD.

This after Yusuf Nakoodah and his son Arshaad were shot during an attempted robbery at their sports and clothing shop last Thursday.

Yusuf, the owner of Giorgio, sustained a wound to his arm and Arshaad died in hospital five days later after being shot in the head.

Salim Tootla, the chairperson of the community police forum in the CBD, said six armed suspects entered the premises on the pretence of being customers and held up Yusuf, his staff, and customers.

He said Arshaad was not in the shop at the time. “At some point, the security company was alerted to the robbery and Arshaad was also informed. He arrived at the shop with the security officers and they entered together.

“The armed suspects could not escape because the entry/exit door was blocked by security officers. The suspects tried to force their way out but a scuffle broke out. Yusuf was shot in the arm and Arshaad in the head.”

He said the suspects managed to get out of the shop and tried to shoot their way out of the CBD.

“Law enforcement and other crime prevention groups were notified about the robbery and they managed to apprehend five suspects. Arshaad and Yusuf were airlifted to hospital.

“We are concerned about crime but we are trying to utilise the KwaDukuza CBD CPF WhatsApp group and the synergy of multi-disciplinary role-players to take down criminals.”

Ahmed Mitha, a hardware store owner, said business owners needed police to patrol. “Crime is high because there is no police presence in the area. On the days that the elderly collect their pension, the police should be stationed at key points. Some shoppers are being followed from their vehicles and being robbed. Businesses will suffer if crime continues to escalate.”

Haroon Mohammedy, office manager of the Illembe Chamber of Commerce in KwaDukuza, said: “We pass our condolences to the Nakoodah family on the passing of their son. It is sad that a young man has lost his life. Crime in the CBD has escalated over the years and business owners like myself are concerned.”

Mohammedy said some of the crimes over the years included petty theft like pickpocketing and chain snatching.

“We have reports of shoppers being held at knife point and robbed. The elderly are the most vulnerable and they are targeted for their grants. Shop owners are being held up and in the recent robbery the attack was violent.”

He said business owners were concerned. “Our businesses suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic, then the looting during the July 2021 unrest and the floods. KwaDukuza was severely impacted by these factors.

There are some businesses that are still recovering. There is a fear the crime is going to drive out customers from the CBD, causing further losses to businesses."

Mohammedy said during the festive season the chamber partnered with property owners to employ additional security to assist police with patrols.

“This was a busy period and the additional security helped curb crime. It also made shoppers feel safe. Going forward, what we need is a more defined plan from police to address crime in the area.”

Arshaad was buried at the KwaDukuza Muslim Cemetery on Wednesday. His family declined to comment.

Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, a provincial SAPS spokesperson, said police were investigating a case of murder.