11am:
Capt Johannes Ramphora, spokesman for the Springs Police, says that two vehicles were able to enter the non-operational Springs Mall.
“Plus minus nine suspects held the security guard, who was on the premises, at gunpoint,” he says.
“Four of the suspects entered the mall, ordered two construction workers to lie down and went straight to the Incredible Connection shop.”
Ramphora adds that the suspects smashed the glass window and door with a pick.
“The suspects drove off with an undisclosed number of flat screen TVs, laptops and one of the security guards.
“The guard was left near Elsburg, Germiston.”
A case of business robbery is being investigated.
10.30am:
Amoret D’Arrigo, marketing manager for the Springs Mall released the following statement:
“We can confirm there was a theft at the mall’s construction site when seven suspects, posing as workers, entered the site and stole goods from the Incredible Connection store.
“There was no one in the shop at the time.
“The SAPS are investigating the incident.
“The mall officially opens tomorrow (Thursday), when its security will come into full effect. “We would like to assure everyone that security is a top priority for Springs Mall.
“We have extensive security measures in place for opening day and beyond.
“This includes state-of-the-art CCTV and vehicle number plate recognition, which is connected to the number plate network security initiative, in partnership with the SAPS.
“We are working closely with the SAPS to ensure the mall’s security.”
9am:
An armed robbery took place at one of the stores at the Springs Mall at around 5.30am this morning, a day before the mall is due to open.
Capt Johannes Ramphora, spokesman for the Springs police, has confirmed the incident, but will only be able to provide more details later today.
• Read: JUST IN: What you need to know about the Springs Mall’s opening day – times and activities
It is alleged that there were nine armed suspects, dressed in safety uniforms from the construction site, who robbed the store.
A member of mall management, who cannot be named, says the presence of these men on site was not initially suspicious as there is a large number of people currently on site working towards ensuring the mall is ready for its grand opening tomorrow.
It is believe there were no shots fired and no injuries incurred.
Management of the Springs Mall is currently viewing CCTV footage, along with the police, to see if they can identify any of the men.
• Also read: See exciting line-up of the new Springs Mall’s food court
https://twitter.com/1993Bernice1D/status/841579432565448704
And the mall opens tomorrow 🙁 https://t.co/j9ArMhq0WW
— A Y A 💋 (@AllAboutAyanda) March 15, 2017
