Bloemfontein mall robberies: Jewellery worth R250k stolen, shots fired

Bloemfontein police have launched a manhunt after two separate armed robberies at different malls in the Free State capital yesterday.

Bloemfontein Courant reports that Free State police spokesperson Thabo Covane confirmed that the first incident took place yesterday morning at Northridge Mall, where six armed suspects stormed a jewellery store.

“It is alleged that the armed robbers ordered the store owner and employees to sit on the floor before emptying the till and shelves filled with jewellery into bags. They then fled in a white Suzuki Amaze sedan. The stolen jewellery is valued at approximately R250 000,” he said.

Second robbery at Mimosa Mall

Covane added that a second robbery occurred later at Mimosa Mall, where five armed suspects entered another jewellery store, threatened staff with firearms, and instructed them to lie down.

“It is alleged that the suspects took jewellery and an undisclosed amount of cash. All suspects wore black hats and surgical masks. They escaped in three vehicles — a white BMW, a white VW Golf 7, and a white Mercedes-Benz. Two shots were fired inside the store, but no injuries were reported,” he said.

Police appeal for information

Two cases of business robbery have been opened and police are appealing to the public for information.

Anyone with details regarding the Northridge Mall robbery is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Kholisile Alfred Nqukuva on 082 467 6081.

Information related to the Mimosa Mall incident can be reported to Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme on 082 526 2713. Tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS app or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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