Staff members and clients of Shoprite in the Randfontein CBD were allegedly held hostage by a group of armed men on Friday night.
The incident took place at the Shoprite in Duncan Road near the Randfontein Police Station at approximately 6.50pm said Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson.
It’s said suspects targeted the shop, went to the cash office and threatened the manager to hand over the shop’s money. Fortunately, the manager managed to press the panic button and car watch personnel ran to the police station to alert them about the situation.
Police responded almost instantly and when they arrived, the suspects opened fire on them. Police shot back and fatally wounded one suspect and critically injured another.
ER24 confirmed they found two men lying on the ground a short distance away from each other, one of which had succumbed to his wounds and another was in a critical condition with a gunshot wound to his head. The latter was transported to hospital but later died while being transported to hospital.
Two more suspects were apprehended by the West Rand Emergency Response Service (Flying Squad).
It is alleged that approximately four to six other suspects managed to flee the scene. It could not be established if the suspects managed to flee with anything since a bag containing money was left on the scene,” Ernst said.
Once the incident was over, police thoroughly searched the shop and led traumatised staff members and shoppers out of the shop. Among the shoppers were children.
All victims of the shootout were debriefed on scene by trained emergency services personnel.
Ernst added, “One firearm was recovered on scene and the serial number was tampered with.”
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 413 8726.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:
Hijacked before? Useful tips to save your life
Shots fired in failed house robbery
Double robbery suspect arrested
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
