Knife Gang Attacks Businessman: Verulam CBD - KZN.
A businessman was attacked and stabbed by a knife-wielding gang who demanded R5 in the Verulam Central Business District (CBD) on Wednesday afternoon.
The attack, which occurred outside the businessman’s premises on Wick Street at approximately 17:30, was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the business premises.
Prem Balram of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said the footage was provided by Verulam Business Forum chairman Roshan Lil-Ruthan.
He said the suspects allegedly approached the businessman and demanded R5, as heard in the audio recording.
“The confrontation escalated when one of the suspects produced a knife and attempted to stab the businessman while his accomplices grabbed and restrained him.”
A mobile phone was reportedly stolen during the incident.
Balram said the full circumstances surrounding the attack remained unclear.
“It has not been established whether the businessman sustained any injuries or whether a criminal case has been registered,” he said.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, November 10, a suspect allegedly opened fire on a RUSA reaction officer who intervened during an armed robbery in progress on Moss Street in the Verulam CBD.
Balram said the officer was unable to return fire because of the close proximity of bystanders in the busy area.
The two incidents are believed to be potentially linked to the same gang, although this has not been confirmed.
The latest attack has raised further concerns about criminal activity targeting businesses and the safety of traders and members of the public in the Verulam CBD.