Robbery hero wounded

CRIME fighter Imran Vorajee was shot in the leg while trying to help his neighbours who were being held up during a home invasion in Asherville on Saturday.

Vorajee, 44, is the chairperson of the Community Police Forum (CPF), in the area.

He has lived in the community all his life and has been a member of the forum for 20 years.

Vorajee is in a stable condition in the hospital.

Kody Chetty, the deputy chairperson of the CPF in Asherville, said Vorajee was on his way home when he received a call about a home invasion in Dunnottar Avenue.

“The caller said he saw people going into the home where there was a family of two.

“Imran parked his car at his home and proceeded to walk to the home. A few metres away from the home were the robber's accomplices.

“They were seated in a vehicle watching the area. Imran did not notice them and proceeded onto the property.

“The accomplices saw him and notified the robbers inside the house. The robbers inside the house opened fire. Imran returned gunfire and the suspects in the vehicle also shot at him. Imran was shot in his right leg. The bullet was lodged in his hip.”

Chetty said the robbers fled the scene.

“Residents from the area called the police for help. Imran was transported to hospital. On Saturday evening, he underwent surgery for the bullet to be removed from his hip. Imran is now in a stable condition.”

He said the family who were held up were not harmed.

“Imran is one of the pillars in Asherville. He is level-headed and he is one of those people who is willing to put his life on the line to help the community. As a CPF, we are shocked but we are also glad he is okay."

Chetty said crime was a concern in the community.

“Previously, each street in Asherville had a designated group where residents would report the crime but, recently, I introduced the Asherville Crime Watch Group with everyone. This helps residents understand what is happening in the area and not only on their specific street. So far, I can say that crime is on a decrease because more people are monitoring the group.”

Vorajee declined to comment. Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, a provincial police spokesperson, said police were investigating a case of attempted murder and no arrests had been made.