Tshwane – A security guard and a civilian were shot and injured during a jewellery store robbery at Menlyn Park shopping centre in Pretoria on Monday.
The centre confirmed the shooting on its premises in a statement.
“It has been reported that a security guard belonging to the jewellery store and a civilian have been shot and have subsequently been taken away by an ambulance for further medical attention,” read the statement.
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Police also confirmed the incident and said that three suspects – two men and a woman – allegedly “entered the store and demanded jewellery at gunpoint”.
One of the employees managed to press the panic button and the suspects made away only with the jewellery that was on display.
“On their way out, they noticed a security officer and started shooting at him. One shopper was caught in the crossfire and sustained a gunshot wound. Both victims are in hospital for medical treatment,” said the police.
A video shared by crime activist, Yusuf Abramjee on social media, showed that a number of unidentified males believed to be the suspects managed to bypass security spikes at one of the mall’s boom gate entrances.
Video https://t.co/VOJ5jGeWVX pic.twitter.com/1Vf3XYSXYd
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 24, 2021
A shopper who was in the popular shopping mall said she had been left “permanently shaken” by the experience, IOL reported.
“I am questioning myself over what the worst that could have happened to me and my son while we were in that mall. You look at the prestigious mall, and you think you are safe, but it’s actually the opposite. When the robbers were using ramps to drive into the mall, where was security? There are supposed to be cameras manned by people,” the report quoted Isabel Mabena as saying.
Police are investigating a case of robbery and attempted murder.
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Compiled by Reginald Nhlapo
