Five hurt as guards fire at workers

THERE was drama at a busy supermarket in Johannesburg yesterday when security guards fired randomly at workers, seriously injuring some of them.

Shoppers at Discount Cash and Carry in Selby had to duck for cover when security guards from the Outlaw security company fired at them, leaving at least five workers seriously wounded. The wounded were taken to a nearby hospital.

Those wounded included Shakes Mashimbi, of Grasmere, who was shot in the head. Nine security guards were arrested and are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Courttomorrow.

Discount Cash and Carry employees said the drama started at about 10am when management tried to discipline an employee, Mxolisi Mabuza, for "failing to perform his duties".

"Mabuza refused to resign or sign a final written warning letter because he felt management was being unfair," employee Alex Sithole said.

He said Mabuza's refusal to co-operate prompted management to call Outlaw, the security company responsible for security at the store.

"Within minutes about eight security guards arrived and dragged Mabuza to the manager's office, where he was assaulted," Sithole said.

When fellow workers saw how the guards were assaulting Mabuza they tried to intervene and an altercation ensued.

"We feared that the guards would kill Mabuza, and we were trying to assist him," he said.

Sithole said when the guards saw other workers approaching them they shot randomly at them.

"It was just like a movie," said another worker. "There were people who had come to do their shopping and were caught in the crossfire."

The shop was closed at 1pm after police and paramedics had cleared the area. Discount Cash and Carry management refused to comment yesterday.

Attempts to get comment from Oulaw Security also failed as their phones rang unanswered.