Woman shot and killed over plastic container

Share this article: Share Tweet Share Share Share Email Share

Johannesburg - A 63-year-old woman was shot and killed on Friday evening in Lenasia, south west of Johannesburg, after robbers mistook a plastic bag, carrying a plastic container, as carrying money instead, Gauteng police said. “Around 7pm on Friday evening, the 63-year-old woman was dropped off from work by her brother,” Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said. “The brother had a shop in Lenasia.” While the brother was dropping his sister off, a red car stopped behind them, with three men believed to be in the car.

“As she got out the car, one of the men got out and shot and killed her. (He) took the plastic bag she was carrying and (they) drove off and left her,” Makhubela said.

The woman died on the scene shortly afterwards.

Makhubela said the motive appeared to be robbery.

“The men knew they were coming from the shop and believed that the plastic bag had money in it,” he said.

“There was no money in the plastic bag. It was an empty plastic container.”

No arrests have been made.

Police were investigating. - Sapa