By Obakeng Maje
Taung- The community of Tamasikwa village, near Taung still trying to come to terms after what is labeled a “barbaric act” hit their area.

It seems crime is a very serious issue not only in urban areas, but also hitting rural areas nowadays. The gun-shots were heard at a foreign-owned shop at around 19:30 on Tuesday and that left a 22 year-old Pakistani in Intensive Care Unit(ICU) at Klerksdorp hospital with a gun-shot wound.

Adil Shehbaz,22, was shot by unknown suspects who came to his shop with intention of robbing him.

Shehbaz was about to close his shop when two suspects, one armed with a gun pounced on him. The suspects allegedly unleashed a warning shot and demanded money from Shehbaz.

“He explained to them that he does not have money, but the suspects decided to shoot at him” Madasar Iqbal who is uncle to the victim said.

Iqbal,26, said to add the salt to the wound, police arrived only after eight hours.

“The incident took place at around 19:30, we called the police but they only arrived eight hours later. I believe if they arrived early, something would ‘ve been done. We do not feel safe anymore” he outlines.

The suspects allegedly fled with undisclosed amount of money and demanded the victim’s car keys.

They drove away with the victim’s Toyota Hilux which was found abandoned in the bushes between Takaneng and Diretseng village.

“It is alleged that on Tuesday at approximately 19:30, two suspects arrived at the shop in Tamasikwa village with covered faces and one of them armed with a firearm.  A shot was allegedly fired and hit a shop owner (Pakistani National) in the chest” North West police spokesperson colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said. 

Mokgwabone said the suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and drove away with the car that was parked outside. 

“The offended was taken to hospital for treatment and the car was later found abandoned near Direetseng village. No one has been arrested at this stage” he concludes.    
Police investigations continue.