At least one security guard was reported shot and injured during last night’s wildwest-style shoot out after a gang of armed men had attempted to rob Shoprite.
Police said at least 80 shots were fired as guards from various security companies and the SAPS responded at around 7pm. It was said two men smashed the glass door at Shoprite with a hammer minutes after the store closed. Terrified staff ran to the back.
Guards responded and a shoot-out ensued. The two men, who had accomplices stationed in trees the parking lot of Shoprite, ran towards the Chinese shop on the Willson and Victoria streets. Staff and customers fled out of the shop and again more shots rang through the air as a gun battle started as security guards, police and the armed exchanged fire.
The men fled down Beaconsfield Street and despite an intensive manhunt, no arrests were made. The Dog Unit was sent into Shoprite as it was thought that one of the man had taken refuge in the receiving area but this turned out to be false. The guards and police were thanked by concerned members of the public who said they had ‘ducked behind cars and rubbish bins’ when the bullets started flying.
