Savannah robbery witness: ‘people ran in all directions’

POLOKWANE – It was terrible; I was terrified to realise I had just seen a man being shot.

These are the words of a shopper who witnessed the security guard being fatally shot during the armed robbery at a jewellery store in Savannah Mall on Wednesday.

“I had just taken the escalator down when I heard the shots and looked back to see the security guard collapse. People started running in all directions; some ran towards the escalator and others ran towards the door,” Noko Madiga explained.

According to Savannah Mall marketing manager, Karen Botha; “CCTV footage show the six men entering the mall at around 12:00 and approach the jewellery store. Four of them entered the store where they held staff and customers up while they emptied the jewellery display cases as well as the safe. The two other robbers kept watch outside the store. Four other robbers waited outside the mall’s entrance three where several restaurants are situated.”

The security guard, employed by Afri Services, was shot when he attempted to alert his colleagues of the situation, said Botha.

No one else was injured during the robbery. Debbie Mouton, owner of the jewellery store, was approached, but could not comment at the time of going to print.

Two suspects have been taken in for questioning and a case of armed robbery and murder is being investigated by the police.

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Savannah mall robbery: 2 suspects in custody

1 Dies in armed robbery at local mall