Three men who allegedly presented themselves as police officers shot and killed a man at his home on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth on Thursday morning.
Gregory Hough, 57, was believed to have been chased to his home after being at an ATM.
The incident happened at 4am at the Bloza settlement in Elands River near Rocklands.
Police spokeswoman Sandra Janse van Rensburg said Hough apparently left the house earlier this morning to withdraw money.
According to Hough’s family, he worked as a so-called kicker (someone who lends money in an informal way).
Moments after Hough returned to his home Thursday morning, there was a knock on the door.
When Hough asked the knockers to identify themselves, a voice behind the door apparently said they were from the police.
Even before Hough was able to open the door, the front door was kicked open.
Three unknown men entered the house, threatening Hough and his family with a firearm and demanding money.
“Hough and the suspects got together, during which a shot was fired that hit him,” says Janse van Rensburg.
Hough apparently fled to his room and closed the door before he died.
Meanwhile, the suspects fled in an unknown vehicle.
Hough’s family was not injured in the incident.
It is not yet certain if any money was stolen during the incident.
According to Janse van Rensburg, the Mount Road police trio crime task team began an early Thursday morning search for the murder and robbery suspects.
She also pointed out that it is illegal to work as a so-called kicker.
With the festive season around, she also called on members of stokvel clubs to take precautions to ensure their money was safe.