A 35‑year‑old Gauteng woman was shot and assaulted with a firearm on Saturday afternoon while protecting her one‑year‑old child during an armed robbery, in an incident that has once again highlighted the dangers faced by informal traders.
The woman was selling eggs when she was allegedly attacked at gunpoint. According to Pretoria Volunteer Emergency Services (PVES), its members were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1.05pm.
When paramedics arrived, they found the woman with visible facial injuries and a gunshot wound to her upper left leg.
Robbed at Gunpoint
Details emerging from the scene indicate that the suspects approached the woman while she was conducting her small business. During the robbery, she was assaulted with the firearm and shot, but managed to shield her toddler from harm.
PVES described the situation its members encountered upon arrival.
"On arrival, a 35-year-old female was found with injuries after being robbed at gunpoint while selling eggs.
"During the incident, she was assaulted with the firearm, sustaining facial injuries, and was shot in the left upper leg," the organisation said.
Despite her injuries, the woman reportedly fought back while protecting her child, ensuring the toddler was not harmed during the ordeal.
The suspects allegedly fled the scene with cash and a tray of eggs before emergency services could arrive.
Emergency Response
Paramedics from PVES treated the woman at the scene, controlling the bleeding from her gunshot wound and providing emergency medical care. She was later handed over for further treatment and transport to a medical facility.
The swift intervention by emergency responders ensured that the woman received stabilising care before being moved for additional treatment.
"We commend the bravery of the victim and are grateful that the child escaped the incident without injury," PVES said.
The toddler, who was present during the robbery, was not physically harmed.
Informal Traders at Risk
The incident underscores the vulnerability of informal traders who often operate in open or roadside spaces with limited security. Selling everyday essentials such as eggs may appear low‑risk, but traders frequently handle cash and can become targets for opportunistic criminals.
For many families, small‑scale trading represents a primary source of income in an increasingly difficult economic climate. The attack on the woman occurred in broad daylight, shortly after 1pm, adding to concerns about criminal activity during peak hours.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the suspects or whether any arrests have been made.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
While the full circumstances surrounding the robbery remain under investigation, the woman’s actions in shielding her child have drawn admiration.
PVES acknowledged her determination in the face of danger.
"We commend the bravery of the victim and are grateful that the child escaped the incident without injury," PVES said.
Her injuries, though serious, were stabilised on scene before she was transported for further medical attention.
Incidents of armed robbery continue to pose significant risks to small business operators and informal traders across Gauteng. Crime statistics have consistently reflected high levels of robbery with aggravating circumstances, particularly where firearms are involved.
This latest case serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of such crimes and the personal toll they exact on victims.
Investigation Under Way
Police investigations into the robbery are expected to focus on identifying and apprehending the suspects who allegedly fled with cash and a tray of eggs.
At this stage, no further information has been provided regarding the condition of the woman beyond the injuries described by emergency services. Authorities are likely to gather statements and review any available evidence from the area as part of their probe.
As the woman recovers, attention turns to the broader issue of safety for informal traders and the need for visible policing in areas where small businesses operate.
For now, a mother is recovering after enduring a violent encounter — an afternoon that began as an ordinary day of selling eggs and ended in a hospital bed, her child safe but the scars of the incident likely to linger far longer than the physical wounds.
