Armed robbers shot and injured two officers from a private security company following a robbery at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in uMhlanga yesterday afternoon.

Northglen News reports that messages and videos have been circulating on social media showing the aftermath of the shooting.

According to initial reports, five armed robbers with assault rifles robbed a jewellery store in the busy mall.

The robbers then opened fire on responding officers at the scene before escaping.

Shots fired as suspects flee

Prem Balram, the spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa, says they were inundated with calls from frantic shoppers requesting assistance after reports of gunshots being fired.

According to Balram, as the suspects attempted to flee, they opened fire with rifles on an armed response officer from a private security company who was entering the mall in his vehicle in response to the incident.

“The officer was struck during the exchange. Several shoppers sought refuge inside nearby businesses as the incident unfolded,” he adds.

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