VEREENIGING – A man was shot and killed following an attempted business robbery at a popular filling station on Voortrekker Street this morning.

A trio ambushed the business owner at his premises in an attempt to rob him of cash while filling an ATM with money.

According to witnesses, just when the incident happened, the businessman drew his pistol and opened fire on the three suspects.

One suspect was hit.

It is believed the other two suspects hijacked an SUV that was filling its tank at the same filling station, after pointing two female occupants with firearms.

Dozens of passersby gathered at the scene of the crime, where the deceased’s lifeless body was covered in foil.

Speaking to Ster, an eyewitness who wants to stay anonymous confirmed the gunshots.  “Just when I was about to leave our business to check what was happening, a vehicle passed us at high speed.”

Another eyewitness said one of the female occupants of the hijacked vehicle ran to the police station to seek refuge.

According to reports, the Vereeniging police reacted swiftly, and gunfire ensued between authorities and the fleeing hijackers.

Despite several attempts from Ster to get a comment from the Vereeniging police, no comment was received when this story was published.

This is a developing story, and updates will be posted as they unfold.