The men entered the Truworths store, confronted and forced a G4 security guard, who had just collected money from the cash office, to hand it over to them.
“Two of them pointed firearms at the guard, disarmed him and told him to hand over the box containing an undisclosed amount of money or be killed,” said Sekele.
The guard handed it over and the robbers were seen pouring water all over the box before running out of the store and getting away in a black Alfa Romeo with false registration plates.
Sekele said the robbers knew that the cash box had been fitted with a dye staining system and by pouring water over it, they were trying to defuse the dye from being activated.
“We believe someone must have lied to them that it works that way,” said Sekele.
The purpose of the dye is to render the cash unfit for use by criminals after it has been stained.
Stained money becomes bluish purple or red around the edges of the notes or across one side as though they have been dipped in ink.
Sekele said the dye is activated as soon as someone starts running with the box in hand.
“Black smoke was noticed coming from the box as they were running out of the store, which indicated that the dye system had been activated and therefore the money was no longer usable,” said Sekele.
The cash box was later found abandoned in Actonville.
Sekele said no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
The police are investigating and no arrests have been made yet.
Lakeside Mall centre manager Chantell Roemer confirmed the incident.
Roemer said though there were no injuries, the paramedics were called as a precaution to check on a pregnant staff member, however, this was purely precautionary and paramedics confirmed the woman was in good health.
Asked if shopping was affected on Saturday, Roemer said Truworths had to close the shop and Queenspark also closed their doors for 10 minutes as a precaution.
Asked whether the Saturday incident affected Lakeside Mall security measures in any way, Roamer said: “Lakeside Mall is completing a full investigation into the incident with our security company, together with the SAPS, and our stringent security protocol continues.”
What happened on Saturday was really a shock what if ppl died i suggest that G4’s should come early in the morning that all
Ja what happened on the 1st November was really a shock ppl wb
For the sake of people ‘s life I suggest that G4’s should come early in the morning that all