It is business as usual at Bedfordview’s Eastgate Shopping Centre following the arrest of two men in the centre’s underground parking.
The centre’s operations manager, Mr Tshepo Monnamoroe said the centre’s security teams were working with the SAPS and will assist in the investigation where necessary.
According to Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, five suspects were driving a blue SUV hijacked in Yeoville when officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) tried to stop them on the N3 South/R24 split.
“The suspects sped off and the officers gave chase. A shootout ensued along the highway before the officers cornered them at the mall’s underground parking,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
Three of the men escaped while their two accomplices were arrested. Police also recovered three firearms as well as a bag of cellular phones.
On scene information suggested the men had robbed a cellular phone store in Brits, North of Pretoria, earlier.
The Dog Unit was called to the centre to search for the remaining three suspects, one of whom was injured.
“Eastgate Shopping Centre is trading as normal. The safety and security of shoppers and tenants is of utmost importance to management,” said Mr Monnamoroe.
