POLICE have confirmed that a customer had been shot in the brazen armed robbery that unfolded at the Pavilion Shopping Centre last night.
According to police, the victim, who was shot in the knee, is in a stable condition.
The mall’s management team has since apologised to shoppers following the armed robbery at the jewellery store.
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Shortly after the shooting, a video of the incident emerged on social media.
In the video, several chilling gunshots can be heard. The suspects, pulling what appeared to be a large bag, were seen making their way towards the exit.
A shopper, who was at the mall with her children at the time of the incident, said they are still shaken after the traumatic ordeal.
“I was on the upper level when I heard gunshots. They just went on. I just wanted them to stop. We did not know where to run to, it was scary. I feared for our safety,” said the distraught mother, whose name is known to the Highway Mail.
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Pavilion Shopping Centre general manager, Nisha Kemraj said the incident took place at approximately 5.45pm.
“The centre’s security responded immediately to the scene and notified the South African Police Services (SAPS),” she said.
Drama unfolds
KZN police spokesperson, Col Thembeka Mbele, said the complainant at the jewellery store reported that she was performing her duties with her colleague when they were accosted by three armed men.
“They were assaulted at gunpoint by the suspects who demanded the safe keys and took a bag with jewellery.”
According to Mbele, the security guards, who were performing their duties, noticed what was happening and confronted the suspects.
A shootout ensued between the guards and the suspects.
“During the shootout, a civilian was shot in the cross fire. He sustained a gunshot wound to his right knee and was taken hospital. One employee sustained assault wounds on the body and face,” explained Mbele.
She added that the suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of jewellery.
Charges of robbery, assault GBH and attempted murder were opened at Westville police station for investigation.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
