JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng police are investigating cases of armed robbery, murder, attempted murder and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition following a shootout at a shopping centre in Crown Mines, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 13 August.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 when a complainant, accompanied by shopping centre security personnel, was transporting an undisclosed amount of cash to the main safe.

According to police, the group was confronted by two armed men who allegedly pointed firearms at them and ordered them to lie down before taking the cash and a cellphone belonging to one of the security guards.

The complainant activated a panic button, alerting additional security personnel. Guards stationed at the main entrance subsequently spotted a red Volkswagen Polo, allegedly occupied by five suspects, travelling at high speed towards the exit.

When security personnel attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects allegedly opened fire, resulting in a shootout.

The suspects’ vehicle collided with another vehicle entering the shopping centre before coming to a stop. One suspect, who remained inside the vehicle, sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire.

The remaining suspects fled on foot. One allegedly attempted to hijack a Toyota Quantum but was stopped by taxi operators, while another was apprehended by security guards.

Police said two suspects sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving medical treatment under police guard. A security guard also sustained a gunshot wound and is receiving medical treatment.

Two other suspects managed to escape and are being sought by police.

The vehicle used by the suspects was found displaying false registration plates. Police confirmed that it had been hijacked and previously reported stolen at Jeppe Police Station.

The stolen cash was recovered, while police also seized three pistols and an AK-47 rifle. The serial numbers of all four firearms had been filed off.

The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to establish whether they may have been used in other criminal activities.

The investigation is continuing as police search for the remaining suspects.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS App.

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