Shops broken into by armed men at Acornhoek Mall

Police have launched a massive manhunt for a group of armed robbers who attacked Acornhoek Mall this morning, October 22, affecting 15 of the shops at the centre.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Col Donald Mdhluli, Acornhoek Mall was attacked at around 02:00 this morning.

Mdhluli said police in the area received reports from security officers alerting them of a break-in at the mall. It was also revealed that a group of suspects were busy looting items from shops.

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“Police officials indicated that on their way to the scene they heard gunshots coming from different directions and called for backup. Upon arrival at scene they found that the suspects had fled,” said Mdhluli.

“About 15 shops were affected by this robbery and preliminary investigation suggests that the suspects gained entry through breaking a door and thereafter helped themselves to various items in the shops. The suspects also reportedly detonated explosives to gain access to cash in safes as well as ATMs.”

He said the robbers fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, has strongly condemned the incident and ordered the swift arrest of the suspects.

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Manamela further warned members of the public not to purchase or accept suspected stolen items and that they should instead report such information to the police.

Mdhluli said police are investigating the incident and request anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to immediately contact the branch commander of Acornhoek SAPS, Lt Col Albert Manzini on 0823189925, or call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111.

Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.