Armed gang commits mass robbery at mall
The police have launched a massive manhunt for a group of armed robbers who broke into Acornhoek Mall on Friday October 22, targeting at least 15 of the shops at the centre.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Col Donald Mdhluli, Acornhoek Mall was broken into at
around 02:00.
Mdhluli said the police in the area had been alerted by security officers. They were informed that a group of suspects were busy looting items some of the shops.
“The police officials indicated that on their way to the scene, they heard gunshots out of various directions and called for backup. Upon arrival at scene, they found that the suspects had fled,” said Mdhluli.
“About 15 shops were affected by this robbery. Preliminary investigation suggests that the suspects had gained entry through breaking a door. They helped themselves to various items in the shops. The suspects also reportedly detonated explosives to gain access to the cash in safes and ATMs.”
He said the robbers fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, strongly condemned the incident and ordered the swift arrest of the suspects.
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Manamela further warned members of the public not to purchase or accept suspected stolen items and that they should instead report to the police.
Mdhluli said the police were investigating the incident and requested anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to immediately contact the branch commander of Acornhoek SAPS, Lt Col Albert Manzini, on 082 318 9925, or to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Alternatively, members of the public may send information via the My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
