BLOEMFONTEIN – Police in Mangaung Metro have launched an intensive manhunt following two brazen armed robberies at jewellery stores in separate shopping centres on Sunday morning, with criminals making off with an estimated R250 000 worth of precious items and an undisclosed sum of cash.
The first incident unfolded at approximately 09:45 when six unknown males stormed Jewel Craft a jewellery store situated in Northridge Mall. The armed robbers, displaying a calculated approach, instructed the store owner and employees to sit on the floor before systematically emptying the till and clearing shelves of valuable jewellery.
The suspects loaded their haul into bags and fled the premises, escaping in a white Suzuki Amaze sedan. The estimated value of stolen jewellery stands at R250 000, according to police reports. A case docket for business robbery has been opened at the Bayswater Police Station.
Second strike at Mimosa Mall
A separate armed robbery occurred just hours later at 12:21 at HDL Jewellers in Mimosa Mall. Five unknown males stormed the establishment, brandishing firearms and forcing employees to lie down whilst they helped themselves to jewellery and an undisclosed amount of money.
All suspects in the second incident were reportedly wearing black hats and surgical masks, suggesting a more organised approach to concealing their identities. The situation escalated when two shots were fired inside the store, though fortunately no injuries were reported amongst staff or customers.
The perpetrators fled the scene using three motor vehicles – a white BMW, white Volkswagen Golf 7, and a white Mercedes-Benz – indicating a well-planned escape route. A business robbery case has been opened at Parkweg Police Station.
Whilst the striking similarities between the two incidents have raised questions about potential links, police officials emphasise that no definitive connection has been established between the robbery crews.
At this stage of our investigation, we cannot confirm whether we are dealing with the same group of perpetrators or separate criminal enterprises operating with similar methodologies
“The timing, targeting of jewellery stores, and preference for white getaway vehicles suggest possible coordination, though investigators stress they are treating each case as a distinct incident until forensic evidence or witness testimony proves otherwise. The parallel nature of the crimes has nonetheless prompted enhanced security measures at shopping centres across the Mangaung Metro as a precautionary step.”
Police appeal for information
The similarities between both incidents – the targeting of jewellery stores, the use of multiple suspects, and the preference for white getaway vehicles – suggest the robberies may be linked, though police have not yet confirmed any connection between the two crimes.
Lieutenant Colonel Kholisile Alfred Nqukuva is leading the investigation into the Northridge Mall incident and can be contacted at 082 467 6081 for any information regarding that case.
For information relating to the Mimosa Mall robbery, the public is urged to contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 526 2713.
Alternatively, information can be submitted anonymously through the MySAPS App or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
The incidents have raised concerns about security at shopping centres, particularly during weekend hours when foot traffic is typically lighter and criminal activity may be easier to execute.
Both investigations remain ongoing as police work to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for these audacious daylight robberies that have shaken the Bloemfontein business community.
