A 62-year-old Chinese national was shot in the chest in the Howard Centre parking lot on Monday, and one of his four attackers was later found dead in a car in Observatory, say police.

Four assailants grappled with the man in front of Pinelands library in the parking lot, at about 3.15pm, as they tried to take a black bag from him containing documents and a laptop, said provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie.

Several shots were fired, and the man was hospitalised after taking a bullet to the chest. Police are investigating an attempted murder.

“The assailants fled the scene empty-handed,” said Lieutenant Colonel Pojie.

Later, at about 5.45pm, a man’s body was found inside a stationary vehicle in the St Peter’s Square shopping centre parking lot in Observatory.

Further investigation had linked the dead man and the vehicle to the attempted murder and attempted robbery of the Chinese national earlier in the day, said Lieutenant Colonel Pojie.

He said the man had been shot during the struggle with the victim at Howard Centre, and Woodstock police had registered an inquest docket in connection with the death.

The other three assailants remain at large.

Pinelands Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Sherfoodien Parker thanked all the police officers, medics, security services and neighbourhood watch patrollers who had responded to the incident.

“We commend these efforts in protecting our community and ensuring the victim received swift medical attention. We remind all residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”

Pinelands Community Police Forum deputy chairperson Dr Marietta Hopley said: “This shooting is a stark reminder of the pressing need for strengthened community safety measures and the vital role our Pinelands precinct CPF plays in fostering a secure environment for all residents and businesses in Pinelands.

“In times like these, we need to come together and work collaboratively for the greater good. Only through unity and shared responsibility can we ensure the ultimate safety and security of our community."

In a statement, Howard Centre management said the safety and well-being of its customers and staff remained their utmost priority, and they were supporting the authorities with their investigation.

Anyone with information about the case can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.

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Bullets fly in Howard Centre parking lot