Police are searching for two suspects after a shootout at a jewellery store in Northmead Square on November 14 left an alleged suspect dead and the store owner with moderate injuries.
This is according to Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele and ER24 spokesperson Ross Campbell.
According to Sekele, the incident took place at around 11:15.
The shop owner was in the store with her assistant when a man and woman entered under the pretence of being customers.
“They asked to look at rings, making out they were getting married,” Sekele explained.
“While looking at the rings, the man took out and pointed a firearm at the store owner.
“The owner’s firearm was nearby, so she grabbed it and a shootout took place.”
Sekele added that during this time, a third suspect entered the store.
“The three suspects then attempted to run towards the door,” Sekele said.
“The owner shot at the woman and the two men managed to run out.”
Campbell added: “The female suspect, believed to be in her late 20s, died from a gunshot wound.
“ER24 paramedics arrived on scene with relevant law enforcement to find the woman in the doorway of the shop having suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach area.
“She, unfortunately, showed no signs of life and was declared dead on scene.
“The owner of the store, a woman in her 30s, was initially thought to have been shot. She, however, only suffered cuts to her hands from broken glass.”
The woman was treated and transported to a private hospital for further treatment.
Sekele said stolen items from the store were found in the woman’s possession.
“A case of business robbery and attempted murder was opened,” Sekele explained.
“However, the docket will be investigated provincially.”
A statement was issued by the New Business executive, Danie de Goede, who spoke on behalf of centre management: “Security and police responded timeously and n shoppers were harmed,” he said.
“Our shoppers are our priority and we can assure our community that Northmead Square has the necessary procedures in place to manage such situations.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this unfortunate event.”
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