GQEBERHA – Security has been tightened at Walmer Park Shopping Centre following a dramatic armed robbery at Fischer’s Jewellers on Tuesday morning that left two people injured and led to a high-speed police chase.
According to Walmer Park Shopping Centre Management, the suspects smashed display windows and stole jewellery before firing multiple shots inside the mall as they fled the scene yesterday.
“We can confirm that at approximately 11:09, an armed robbery occurred at Fischer’s Jewellers inside Walmer Park Shopping Centre,” said Deveda Bloem, Marketing Manager for Walmer Park Shopping Centre. “Fischer’s Jewellers immediately activated their alarm and smoke deterrent system.”
During the robbery, two security guards were allegedly held at gunpoint – a mall security guard stationed at the Woolworths Court and Fischer’s Jewellers’ own security guard.
“We are distressed to report that one of our mall security team members sustained injuries during the incident and was rushed to the hospital via ambulance. Another shopper who was inside Fischer’s Jewellers sustained a cut and also received on-site medical attention,” Bloem confirmed.
The suspects fled in a white Audi parked in the covered car park, prompting an immediate response from the Nelson Mandela Bay District Crime Combatting Unit who spotted the vehicle on Disa Road in Newton Park and gave chase.
“The suspects fired shots at the SAPS vehicle, members returned fire. One suspect jumped out of the vehicle and continued to fire shots at the members,” said police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg.
During the shootout, a 30-year-old suspect was arrested and a firearm recovered.
Despite the morning’s dramatic events, Walmer Park Shopping Centre was able to resume normal trading operations at 15:00 on the same day.
Management confirmed that security measures throughout the centre have been heightened whilst police investigations continue.
“The safety and well-being of our shoppers, tenants and staff remain our highest priority. We are supporting the authorities as investigations continue and we have heightened security measures throughout the centre,” Bloem stated.
Shopping centre management praised their security personnel’s response to the crisis. “We commend the extraordinary bravery of our security personnel, whose swift actions during this morning’s armed robbery helped ensure the safety of shoppers and staff who were in the mall.”
The suspect is expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrates’ Court later in the week.
