Man killed during Randfontein robbery

Johannesburg - A man was shot and killed by robbers on his smallholding in Randfontein, on the West Rand, Gauteng police said on Thursday.

The 63-year-old man and his wife were returning home when they were confronted by four men in a car on Wednesday night, police spokesperson Appel Ernst said.

When the man got out of his car, he was shot in the face. He died on the scene. His wife was taken out of the vehicle at gunpoint, assaulted and taken into the house.

"The suspects ransacked the house and also opened safes that were in the house. Firearms and cash were taken," said Ernst.

"Allegedly something spooked the suspects since they suddenly took off."

The wife sustained slight injuries.

Police were investigating a case of house robbery and murder.