UPDATE: Statement released following shootout at Cresta Mall

Cresta Shopping Centre has released a statement regarding this morning’s armed robbery at a Totalsports store.

According to the statement, a group of suspects robbed the store at gunpoint. No employees or shoppers were injured. Suspects subsequently fled, but were quickly pursued by security teams and police.

Three suspects have been apprehended by Cresta security, and are currently being questioned by Linden SAPS. An unknown number of suspects are, however, still at large.

The mall has pledged to inform the public as soon as more information is made available, and has appealed to anyone with information regarding the incident to contact their nearest police station.

“The security and safety of our shoppers and tenants is a top priority for Cresta Management and our Security teams will continue in our efforts to make the Centre a safe environment where our tenants and shoppers feel safe,” said Virginia Bester, Cresta General Manager.

READ MORE: Shootout at Cresta Mall

Calls for more collaboration

Founder of community crime group eBlockwatch, Andre Snyman has called for more collaboration between relevant stakeholders when it comes to crime in shopping malls, reports Randburg Sun.

“Crimes in malls have the potential to blow up into very dangerous situations. Security guards are normally armed, and the number of people in the vicinity make for a less ‘controllable’ outcome for the criminals.

“I believe that security companies should not only be based in certain areas, they should have circles of security that can actually catch these guys, once the trigger has been hit. Better coordination is what is needed in these cases,” said Snyman.

One suspect has been apprehended. Image: Twitter/REZA @crimeairnetwork

Additional reporting by Randburg Sun

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