On Sunday, 4 August, a 55-year-old man was tragically murdered in front of his family at the Birchwood Spur restaurant, as confirmed by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The victim, believed to be the latest target of the notorious Rolex Gang, was shot as he exited his vehicle in the parking lot. Police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza stated that the Boksburg North police are investigating the crime as both an armed robbery and a murder.
Only the victim’s Rolex, valued at approximately R350,000 was stolen during the attack. According to a reliable source close to the police investigation, security footage shows that the assailants followed the victim from Lakeside Mall in Benoni to Builders Warehouse in Boksburg before arriving at the Birchwood Spur. The attackers, who were in two vehicles, executed the ambush as the victim exited his bakkie in the restaurant’s parking lot.
Onlookers reported that the victim was a tour operator and was about to join a party for lunch when the attack occurred. Witnesses said that paramedics, private security, and members of the South African Police Service arrived on the scene within minutes.
The family of the slain man was tended to by members of the Ekurhuleni Chaplaincy as forensic analysts combed the area for clues. Staff and patrons at the typically bustling Birchwood Spur were left in shock by the violent incident.
Boksburg ward councillor Simon Lapping expressed his disgust, stating that there is no justifiable reason for such brutal crimes and called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The owner of Birchwood Spur, Johan Erasmus, assured they are providing trauma counselling to those affected and cooperating fully with the police.
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A source indicated that a manhunt is currently underway. Officers are in pursuit of the attackers’ vehicle, which was last seen heading towards Alexandra outside Sandton.
The horrific incident has left the community shaken, as echoes of similar past crimes ring through local conversations. Fast-food restaurant staff nearby recounted witnessing parts of the incident unfold, warning of the ever-present danger in today’s South Africa.
