Randfontein Police have confirmed that employees and customers at a Vodashop store in Tambotie Mall fell victim to a business robbery at 1.45pm on Monday, 7 May.
According to Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson, a 31-year-old female victim alleged that five men entered the premises.
“One had a firearm at his waist. The men informed her that it was an armed robbery, and indicated that they wanted cellphones. They allegedly also instructed her to open a safe. The suspects took a number of cellphones and then ran away.”
Appel said further, “The people inside the shop gave the alarm and a security officer in the mall gave chase. The suspects then fired shots in the general direction of the security officer in pursuit.”
The suspects are believed to have driven off in a green Volkswagen Polo.
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No serious injuries were reported, although the victims were traumatised.
The Trio Task Team visited the scene and will be investigating the matter. They request any person who might be able to shed more light on the incident to call them on 079 496 6288.
Lenette Nordin of Tambotie Mall centre management said in a statement after the incident that the management of the mall, together with local law enforcement and private security contractors, is working tirelessly to apprehend the five suspects.
“Surveillance material is being examined and it is anticipated that arrests will follow in the very near future. It is believed that this is the same syndicate that has targeted other malls in the Randfontein area.
“Management has given the assurance that everything possible is being done to ensure the safety and security of shop owners and the public visiting the mall. We would like to thank mall security for their bravery in pursuing these robbers, and commend the efforts made by law enforcement officers and mall management. We trust that the robbers will be apprehended in due course.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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