Security officer shot in Gateway jewellery store robbery

A SECURITY officer is in a critical condition after he was shot in a robbery at a jewellery store at Gateway Theatre of Shopping this afternoon.

According to the spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Prem Balram, a number of suspects robbed a jewellery store inside the busy shopping centre.

“The officer was shot in the parking lot by the suspects. According to shoppers, the gunmen fired multiple shots during the robbery. Several spent 9mm and rifle cartridges were recovered in the mall. The robbers are believed to have fled in a white Toyota Corolla and a white Mazda bakkie,” Balram said.

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Netcare 911 spokesperson, Shawn Herbst, said paramedics treated the critically injured officer on scene.

“The officer sustained a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported, in a critical condition, to a hospital in uMhlanga. At this stage no other injuries have been confirmed,” Herbst said.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping’s marketing manager, Michelle Shelley confirmed the robbery took place just after 14:20.

“Gateway security teams responded immediately to the scene. One of our security guards was injured and attended to by paramedics. The South African Police Services (SAPS) were notified and responded to the scene soon after. The perpetrators made off with an undisclosed amount of goods.

“The safety and security of customers and tenants is of utmost importance to us. We are working closely with SAPS to assist with their investigation. The centre has been secured and trading as normal,” she said.