Sne Masuku

Sne Masuku

An attempt to rob a petrol station in Pietermaritzburg went totally wrong for a group of robbers when security guards fired a hail of bullets at them before they could grab the cash.

A G4 Security Services vehicle had just arrived at the Southgate shopping complex to collect money at the service station at about 8am yesterday when they were confronted by the would-be robbers.

It is alleged that while two of the guards were putting the money into cash boxes, two other guards were patrolling the area surrounding the garage.

The guards patrolling the area spotted a white VW Jetta entering the premises at high speed.

Police spokesman Joey Jeevan said the guards became suspicious when they noticed that two of the car's four occupants were wearing balaclavas.

"As the vehicle stopped, the suspects pulled out firearms and a shootout ensued, resulting in two suspects being seriously wounded," said Jeevan.

One injured suspect was dragged back into the car by his friends. The other wounded suspect was taken to hospital. He is under police guard.

None of the guards were injured.