A local shopping centre in Monument turned into a mini war zone after a shootout erupted.

A British American Tobacco (BAT) cigarette van was hijacked at 9.50am this morning on General Pienaar Avenue, the Roodepoort Record reported.

News journalist Ghia ten Doeschate has unconfirmed reports from the scene that the suspects involved in this morning’s hijacking in Roodepoort, struck at the Noordheuwel Shopping Centre on Robert Broom Drive as well as the Anthos Centre (Monument Checkers) on Voortrekker Road.

It is not clear who started shooting first, but a Fidelity support vehicle was also involved.

Access to both shopping centres have been closed off by police and the local CPF. Shoppers and motorists are urged to avoid it until further notice.

Ten Doeschate says she is aware of three arrests that were made. She says one suspect has also been shot and countless more are still on foot in the area.

More details will follow soon.