Heroic security guard killed while thwarting armed robbery in Chatsworth

A BRAVE security guard in Chatsworth lost his life while attempting to stop armed robbers fleeing in a taxi after they had robbed a tote in Bayview on Sunday morning.

Vikesh Maniram, of Newlands West, was employed by the One Stop Group. He worked as a security guard at a butchery on Lenny Naidoo Drive.

He was shot and killed when he stopped the taxi and asked the suspects who had robbed the tote to get off.

Claude Subramodey, spokesperson for Amawele Emergency Services, said an elderly couple were lucky to escape with their lives after their vehicle was hit by several bullets during the gunfight.

Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, said the elderly man was rushed to hospital after glass from the shattered car windows got into his eyes. The hysterical woman was treated for shock, he said.

An off-duty Bayview police officer, who was at a nearby fast food outlet, witnessed the security guard being shot and followed the suspects, who thereafter fled on foot.

Another shootout ensued and one suspect was grazed by a bullet on his leg, while the other sustained injuries to his head and body after he fell down a flight of stairs while trying to escape.

Both suspects were arrested by police.

Brandon Pillay, spokesperson for the Bayview Community Policing Forum (CPF), said Maniram would forever be remembered for his act of bravery that led to the successful apprehension of the both suspects. 

“He died a hero. It is alleged that two armed men robbed an outlet in Bayview, taking an undisclosed amount of money. They fled on foot and got into a minibus taxi on Lenny Naidu Drive.

“The security guard, who was positioned outside the butchery, was alerted and he managed to flag down the taxi and asked the suspects to get off. It was at this stage that the suspects opened fire on the security officer and fled on foot. 

“Thankfully, one of the detectives from Bayview SAPS was close by and he gave chase with members of security companies, the CPF and the community, leading to the arrest of both suspects,” Pillay added.

He commended the police for their swift action.

“We extend our sincerest and deepest condolences to the family of the security officer who was shot. It’s a sad day for us that he lost his life trying to apprehend the suspects. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family

“We appreciate the efforts of the Bayview police and the security companies for their swift action. Charges of murder and robbery are being investigated. 

“We make a humble appeal to our community to remain vigilant at all times, and to continue this partnership with the CPF in our fight against crime,” Pillay said.

THE POST