UPDATE: 18 September
Randridge Mall management has confirmed the death of one of its security guards, following a robbery at the mall yesterday morning.
A security guard involve in a scuffle with armed robbers was shot on the scene. The guard had been stabilised by paramedics, but subsequently passed away after being rushed to a local hospital.
“It has been confirmed that six suspects forced their way into PEP store at Randridge Mall a short time ago, holding up the staff. Security services hastily made their way to the store after receiving a panic alert.
“Unfortunately, one of the security team who was shot by one of the armed suspects succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” read a statement issued by the mall.
Randridge Mall General Manager Tim Mclean confirmed that the group made off with just R270 in cash.
“The Honeydew police were quick to respond and officers were at the scene to further their investigation. They also have also confirmed information on the getaway vehicles used by the suspects.
“We deeply regret the passing of the security officer. Incidents such as this are not something that we take lightly. We are working closely with our security service provider, operations staff and our tenants,” Mclean said.
Communications officer for ER24, Russel Meiring said in a released statement that ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find another service already in attendance, tending to a man found lying outside the one shop.
Meiring said that on assessment, medics found that the man had sustained a gunshot wound to his back and was in a critical condition. “The man was treated for his injuries and was provided with advanced life support interventions. Once treated, the man was transported to Life Wilgeheuwel for urgent treatment,” added Meiring.
“On route, the patient’s vital signs rapidly diminished and paramedics had to initiate CPR and further advanced life support interventions. Unfortunately, the man succumbed to his injuries in hospital,” said Meiring.
Further details surrounding this incident are not yet known but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.
UPDATE: 12.31pm 17 September
Police have confirmed that a security guard has died after being shot in the lower abdomen during an armed robbery at Randridge Mall earlier today (17 September).
Honeydew police spokesperson, Captain Balan Muthan confirmed to Randburg Sun that six suspects stormed the Pep store, inside the mall, and randsacked one till – stealing apporoximately R270. They also allegedly robbed one customer of her ring. The security guard was shot after pressing the panic button. “The six suspects entered the mall, and grabbed the security guard who was standing at the door, dragging him with them into the store,” said Muthan.
The guard was treated on scene by paramedics, but has since passed away at a local hospital.
The suspects got away in a blue Toyota Corolla and a while Hyundai, and no arrests have yet been made.
Muthan confirmed that once apprehended, the suspects will face charges of Business robbery, armed robbery and murder.
Randridge Mall was not available to comment at the time of publication.
INITIAL ARTICLE: 11.43am
Unconfirmed social media reports indicate that a person has been shot at Randridge Mall.
According to posts on The Community of Randpark Ridge on Facebook, an area of the mall has been cordonned off to deal with the matter, while the rest of the mall remains unaffected.
Honeydew Police spokesperson Balan Muthan confirmed that police were on their way to the scene, and would provide further comment shortly.
Randridge Mall was not available to comment at the time of publication.
Randburg Sun journalists are at the mall, and report that multiple police vehicles, JMPD, the CPF, paramedics and security companies are on the scene.
This is a developing story. More information will follow as it becomes available.