An Amanzimtoti shopping centre was the target of an armed robbery last night.

According to an article published by South Coast Sun, officers of ET Rapid Response responded to a robbery in progress at Galleria Mall where approximately 12 robbers, using multiple vehicles, escaped via the Arbour Road exit point after robbing a store.

Tony Lokker from ET Rapid Response says the robbers fired a hail of bullets at the security company’s officers when they arrived on the scene. The robbers were placed strategically, waiting for security or police, he adds.

“Both our response vehicles were damaged during the shoot-out… Fortunately, no response officers sustained injuries.

“Some stock abandoned by the [robbers] was secured on scene. We are grateful that our members were not injured during the ordeal,” says Lokker.

Anusha Timul, the marketing manager of Galleria Mall, confirmed the robbery and said Amanzimtoti police are investigating.