Brazen attack leaves Hanover woman dead

A businesswoman was shot and killed after armed men carried out a brazen daylight attacked at a shop along Bamboo Drive in Hopewell, Hanover, yesterday.

A teenage girl, who was a passenger in a motor car, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet fired by one of the cowards. Two men who were purchasing items in the shop were also shot and injured by the gunmen who chased them after they ran from the establishment.

The deceased has been identified as 52-year-old Claudette Samuels, of Zion Road, also in Hopewell.

Reports are that about 4 p.m., two men posing as customers entered Samuels' establishment and ordered items from the shopkeeper who was attending to other customers. The men reportedly presented the shopkeeper with a $5,000 note as payment for the goods, and stood waiting for their change.

THE STAR understands that the shopkeeper walked from the shop towards Samuels' house, which is in close proximity, and asked for change for the $5,000 note.

Samuels reportedly instructed the shopkeeper that he should return to the bar and that she would take the change to him. However, as she entered the establishment, the men brandished handguns and held her and other patrons at gunpoint. THE STAR further understands that the gunmen robbed her of cash before ordering the customers to lay face down on the floor. The gunmen then opened fire hitting Samuels multiple times.

Two of the male customers, on seeing that Samuels was shot, ran from the establishment, but were chased by the gunmen who again opened fire hitting them.

The teenage girl, who was travelling with other passengers in a taxi motor car, was struck in the forehead by a stray bullet. She was rushed to the hospital where her condition is said to be serious.

Samuels died on the spot, while the two male customers were also taken to hospital where they were treated.

Since the start of the year, 26 persons have been murdered in Hanover.