No progress in mall robbery case, suspects still at large
More than a month has passed and the police still have not made any progress with the manhunt for a group of armed robbers who attacked Acornhoek Mall on October 22.
HAZYVIEW – Fifteen shops were affected by the robbery at the centre.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Col Donald Mdhluli, Acornhoek Mall was burgled at around 02:00.
Mdhluli said the police in the area had 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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According to CCTV footage of the alleged mall robbery that has been doing the rounds on social media, scores of people can be seen walking from the parking lot of the mall towards the building.
The video of the alleged robbery shows between 18 and 20 people. More footage of allegedly inside the mall also shows men dressed in hoods, hats and masks, forcing open a metal door to a store before entering and stealing items from inside the shop. “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.
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The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, has strongly condemned the incident and ordered the swift arrest of the suspects. 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 the police are still 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 082 318 9925, or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Alternatively, members of the public can send information via the My SAPS app. All received information will be confidential.
