It is rather alarming that violent crime and more specifically armed robberies constitute a growing threat to shopping centres in terms of their vulnerability to such criminal acts.
Sadly these violent crimes are becoming increasingly organised and sophisticated while shopping centres on the West Rand and countywide have become the latest targets for syndicates.
On Wednesday, 10 February the Shoprite Cosmo City Centre was robbed by nine thugs. Three of them entered a Pep Cellular Store while the others went into Shoprite.
It is alleged that the robbers shot two individuals believed to be Shoprite employees.
According to Honeydew Police Station spokesperson, Captain Balan Muthan, one of the victims was shot in the arm and the other sustained a gunshot wound to the buttocks.
“The two male victims were stabilised and transported to the Netcare Olivedale Hospital to be treated for their injuries.
“The robbers managed to flee the scene in three separate vehicles with an undisclosed amount of cash taken from Shoprite and the Pep Cellular Store,” said Captain Muthan.
Any person with information that might lead to the arrest of the nine suspects is advised to contact the Honeydew Police Station as soon as possible.
