“It is alleged that the security guard had collected money from the drop safe and was on his way out of Truworths, when he was approached by an unknown man,” said Benoni SAPS cluster spokesperson Sgt Constance Moalusi.
“His firearm was taken from him and he was told to sit down.”
The robber and an accomplice fled the scene shortly after the 11am robbery.
Moalusi said police were informed that three shots were fired outside the centre.
The robbers fled the scene in a BMW.
Police discovered the empty money box on the corner of Woburn Avenue and Russell Street.
Moalusi said the men had cut the box open and stolen the money.
No arrests have been made.
Lakeside Mall marketing management Angela Pereira said the centre management will comment on the incident on Monday.