Cops in hot pursuit of Nicolway robbers
Bryanston - RANDBURG police are in hot pursuit of robbers who attempted to rob Cabouchon Jewellery shop at Nicolway Mall on 9 May.
Colonel Andries Odendal revealed on 11 May that investigating officers were putting together information from video footages with the objective of identifying the culprits.
“We are busy following clues from clear video footage and fingerprints pulled from the scene of the crime,” said Colonel Odendal. He added that no arrests have been made yet. He said the robbers’ getaway Ford Focus was fitted with false number plates.
A Nicolway jewellery store in Bryanston survived an armed robbery on Saturday after security guards foiled the attempt.
Five armed robbers were forced to abandon their mission to rob Cabouchon Jewellery Shop after 24/7 security guards swung into action upon the strike of a panic button.
The mall marketing manager, Christian Louw, told Fourways Review that the robbers fled empty-handed in a white Ford Focus getaway car. He said the suspects fired a few shots in the air as they forced their way out of the mall. The attempted armed robbery played itself out at the crowded mall in full view of shocked shoppers and onlookers. Onlookers and nearby restaurant revellers had to take cover when the fleeing robbers fired shots in the air.
“I confronted one of them who was standing next to the shop putting on dark glasses. And when l asked him what he was doing, he never responded, but simply signaled to his friends to run away,” said Louw.
Louw added that one of the suspects was already inside the jewellery shop while others had taken strategic positions outside as back-up.
Police also arrived at the scene of the incident a few minutes after the robbers sped off.
The management of the jewellery shop gave a statement to the police. The shop was closed by the time Fourways Review visited the mall.
According to an eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous and who is an eBlockwatch member, there were about six armed gunmen who may have robbed the jewellery store near Woolworths.
The eyewitness said, “They came running past Tasha’s restaurant and fired a gunshot when the security guards began chasing them. I think the gunshot was just to stop the guards from following them. There was a lot of panic and children were very startled following the shocking incident.
“I think they had a getaway vehicle waiting for them outside the mall. Police responded to the scene about five minutes later.”
How can we reduce armed robberies in malls? Share your views on Fourways Review Facebook page
