Tonota police station commander, Superintendent Reuben Mphoeng, confirmed the fatal incident, which he said took place at around 2.30 on Thursday morning. He pointed out that the robber died on the spot.

During the shooting, the night watchman also sustained bad injuries on the leg and was admitted at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital in Francistown. The other culprit, who was not hurt, was arrested inside the building while trying to forcefully take money from the station attendants.

"The culprits attacked with a nine-millimetre pistol while the night watchman used a short gun," said Mphoeng.

The police boss told Mmegi in an interview yesterday that they received an anonymous call reporting the incident and they responded quickly and rushed to the scene. He said both the assailants were foreigners but he could not divulge more saying investigations were still on going. He said at least P635 was recovered from the robbers at the crime scene.

"On arrival, the two culprits drove all station attendants into the office at gun point but luckily the night watchman was not among them," said the police superintendent. The night watchman told the police that the gun he shot the culprit with was his and police are to still confirm if the gun is licensed.

Mphoeng indicated that crime was rife in the village and its surrounding areas, especially now that the festive season is just starting.

He noted that during this period, people are very thirsty for money and the recent fatal incident is a typical example.

Meanwhile, he expressed concern that house breaking in Tonota was increasing at an alarming rate and urged members of the public to assist the police."We anticipate that crime of this nature would became rampant during this coming festive season and we appeal for public's cooperation," pleaded Mphoeng.