Three suspects have already appeared in court, following the senseless murder of well-known businessman Yogendra Baboo Ghelani (60) and the attempted murder of his father, Baboo Mohanlal Ghelani (84), during a daring daytime armed robbery in Louis Trichardt last week.

The robbery took place at about 12:30 on Wednesday, September 5, at the Ghelani family business, Khoja’s Mordern Store in Eltivillas. Three armed gunmen entered the store demanding money. Moments later, gunshots rang out, killing Yogendra and wounding his father in the leg.

Vishal Ghelani, son of the late Yogendra Ghelani, this week told the Zoutpansberger what had happened on that fateful day. When the gunmen entered the store, he was in a backroom, receiving stock.

Vishal said that there were apparently four suspects: the three gunmen who came into the store while a fourth waited in a getaway vehicle outside. A security guard allegedly tried to disarm one of the gunmen, after which the robbers opened fire while trying to escape. Two got away, but one robber was overpowered inside the store by staff members and members of the public. He was severely beaten until he apparently lost consciousness. In the meantime, the police were alerted of the robbery by a family member at a store across the street.

Vishal said that the police were quick to respond. An ambulance also arrived at the scene to treat the wounded Mr Ghelani (Sr), as well as the badly beaten gunman. Both were taken to the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital from where Mr Gehlani (Sr) was later transferred to the Private Hospital in Polokwane for treatment.

Vishal told the Zoutpansberger that his grandfather was discharged from hospital last Friday, the same day his murdered father’s funeral was held. He said his grandfather is currently still at home, where he is recovering from his injury and added that he is doing well under the circumstances.

The gunman arrested at the scene of the bloody robbery, Dovhani Richard Raphebele (26) from Madombidza, appeared in the Louis Trichardt magistrate’s court on Friday. A further two suspects, Mulalo Prince Ludere (30), also from Madombidzha, and Nehmed Panwala (30), apparently a Pakistani man who lives in town, were later arrested and appeared in court on Monday.

All three suspects were charged with armed robbery, murder and attempted murder. Their case was postponed until Friday, September 14, and the suspects will remain in police custody until their next court appearance. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the fourth suspect’s identity is known to the authorities, although he was still able to elude arrest by the time of going to press. It is believed that the man is hiding in Thembiza, Johannesburg.