Bedford Centre was rocked this morning after an alleged cash-in-transit heist shook the centre.
It is alleged that seven suspects entered the centre and targeted SBV guards who were offloading money.
According to eyewitnesses, the guards were going down the escalator when they were met by the suspects. A shoot-out ensued, which left three customers, two guards and two suspects wounded.
The two suspects were treated at the scene, placed under arrest and sent to hospital under police guard.
An AK 47 rifle and a 9mm pistol, both unlicensed, were recovered from the suspects.
The Gauteng Province SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said although there were suspects still at large, the police could not confirm whether they had made off with any money.
Another eyewitness, a military trainee, told the NEWS he wondered how the criminals made it into the centre with guns.
When the crime took place, the Bedfordview SAPS was hosting a farewell party for the station’s retiring detective, Lieutenant Colonel Johannes Fourie, whose 42 years of service within the police force ends on January 31.
The military trainee said he wondered if the suspects took advantage of the fact that police officers were at the event.
“These guys chose the most convenient time to hit the centre. They likely planned it as an ‘in-and-out job’, but forgetting that this is Bedfordview, you will get caught,” he said.
Despite being at the party, police officers made it to the scene within minutes after the incident was reported.
The Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said the SAPS is intolerant to crime and will do everything in its power to eradicate it.
The suspect with the AK47 was found in the basement parking, near the Post Office. According to police officers, he was trying to hijack a car after he was shot inside the centre.
The other suspect was shot on the chest and was in a critical condition.
Ms Linda Moore was at the centre with her friend’s daughter, Jaime de Wet, when the shootout occurred.
She said, “I was so scared. I just wanted to take her home.”
It is still unclear when the suspects will appear in court.
Bedford Centre posted the following on the NEWS’ Facebook page “No stores were involved. (The) shoot-out (was) between SBV and robbers. An official statement will be released once there is more information.”
Read these 5 updates as events unfolded today:
Area surrounding Bedford Centre in lock down
Bedford Centre cash-n-transit shooting: Flying Squad and K9 enterting centre
Second suspect shot at Bedford Centre
Shoppers are being kept inside the centre until the scene has been cleared
Witnesses treated for shock and trauma
