Gateway jewellery store robbed by armed men

A JEWELLERY store at Gateway Theatre of Shopping was robbed by an armed gang on Sunday morning.

According to Marshall Security’s Tyron Powell, a group of approximately seven men forced their way into Narandas Jewellers at the mall just before 10am.

“The men made off with various items of value and then fled in an awaiting getaway vehicles. From our reports no one was injured in the incident. Durban North SAPS and Marshall Security are actively looking for the suspects. Reports of shots being fired by the suspects as they fled the scene are untrue,” he said.

In other news: Teenager killed while train-surfing near Effingham railway station.

Gateway Marketing Manager, Michelle Shelley, confirmed the robbery had taken place.

“Gateway confirms that a robbery took place at a jewellery store. The suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of merchandise. No tenants or customers were harmed during the incident. The Mall’s security as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) immediately responded to the scene. The safety and security of our shoppers and tenants is of utmost importance to Gateway and we are working with the SAPS to assist in this investigation. The area has been secured,” the statement read.

Haden Searles, chairperson of the Durban-North uMhlanga Community Police Forum (CPF), said police were working closely with security companies, the CPF and crime prevention units in the lead-up to the festive season to curb incidents like this.

“I’d like to reassure the public that the CPF, Durban North SAPS and security companies are working closely to implement crime fighting operations. With regards to this specific incident, we believe the brazen gang fled in two vehicles. I’d also like to caution members of the public from sharing photos of the vehicles allegedly involved on social media as it may alert the suspects. Rather share the photos with your security companies and the police,” he said.

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