Security guard shot at a Cape Town traffic department

A security guard is fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot in the head by an allegedly irate motorist at a traffic department in Ottery on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred at the Hillstar Driving Licence Testing Centre where a motorist got into an argument with staff.

According to reports, the suspect became angry after he was informed that he did not have all of the necessary documentation to complete a transaction. The security guards intervened, which prompted the suspect to go to his vehicle and come back with an airgun. He then shot one of the guards in the head.

Traffic Service spokesperson Maxine Bezuidenhout said the testing centre was closed for the rest of the day, and employee support was being provided to traumatised staff members who witnessed the altercation.

“The suspect then left the premises. His identity is known and the matter is being followed up,” she said.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Lansdowne police were investigating a case of attempted murder.

“The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident Wednesday morning at about 8.45 in Plantation Road, Ottery, where a 48-year-old male was shot and wounded, are under investigation.

“According to reports, the suspect fled the scene in a white Ford. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to a medical facility for treatment,” he said.

The incident comes weeks after the murders of Gugulethu security guards who were shot during a robbery at NY6 and NY38.

One security guard died at the scene, the other died in hospital.

Gugulethu community police forum chairperson Thembinkosi Mjuza told Cape Times that the suspects were robbing one of the local shops and had taken the security guards’ guns off them and shot them.