Police are investigating an altercation at an ATM at Westgate Mall which resulted in the death of a man who was allegedly shot by a security guard. Picture: Independent Newspapers Archive
Cape Town - Police are investigating an altercation at an ATM at Westgate Mall which resulted in the death of a man who was allegedly shot by a security guard.
Videos of the incident on Wednesday have gone viral on social media, sparking wild theories.
People claimed the man tried to rob someone at the ATM while others speculated that he had refused an instruction to vacate the area as the ATMS were being filled with cash.
In various clips, the man is seen face down on the floor in front of a Standard Bank ATM, as security guards are seen asking people to stay away from the crime scene.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said Lentegeur SAPS detectives are investigating an inquest following a shooting shortly after 3pm.
He explained: “According to reports, SAPS members attended a shooting incident at a bank at the mentioned address.
“Upon arrival, they found an unknown male laying on the floor in front of the bank with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
“He was rushed to hospital by ambulance. It was later discovered that the victim passed away en route to the hospital.”
Van Wyk explained the shooting was as a result of an argument.
He explained: “Allegedly there was an argument between the deceased and a 32-year-old security guard at the ATM while they were busy loading money in the ATM.
“Circumstances surrounding this argument and the shooting incident are under investigation. The motive is believed to be an argument.
“One Vektor CP1 rifle and ammunition were confiscated as exhibit and further processing. No arrest yet, and the investigations continues.”
Westgate Mall management declined to comment on the incident.
Michael Jacobs of the Lentegeur Community Police Forum said the shooting was an isolated incident and that they had no reports of ongoing robberies at the mall..
“We understand that this was as a result of an argument and police will have to investigate if opening fire was justified,” he said.
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