On the 3rd of March 2016, Bridge City Shopping Centre was attacked by 22 suspects who arrived in stolen motor vehicles. The vehicles were used to block the roads of Bhejawne and Nogwane . After kidnapping an Enforce Security guard, the remaining men made their way to the front of the building, capturing another 5 other guards along Nogwaja road en route. The kidnapping of the guards become known, and assistance was called for from SAPS and other security personnel.
The suspects broke into the centre and then into Jwayelani butchery and Shoprite, where they set explosives on the ATMs.
Bridge City Management Association reaction officer Abednego Ngubane and guard Gizo Gumede, headed towards Nkunzana Road where they saw some of the suspects heading towards Nogwaja Road in front of the centre. The officers gave chase and were fired at by the suspects. They jumped out of his vehicle to take cover, and Ngubane returned fire until SAPS arrived.
The incident saw 4 SAPS members being injured, 4 of the criminals being killed and 5 arrested, with subsequent follow-ups by SAPS resulting in the capture of a further 5 suspects and the death of the others. While explosives were found packed around the ATM at Jwayelani, nothing was stolen from the centre.
The actions of Abednego and Gumede resulted in the failure of the robbery, and holding up the criminals until the SAPS arrived. He has been strongly commended on his bravery and actions during this event.
