Police probe brazen jewellery store robbery at Gateway

Several police officers, armed response companies, and Gateway management were at the scene, Phoenix Sun reports.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an eyewitness at one of the food stalls, said, “While working, I heard a loud bang and then suddenly, I saw people running in the opposite direction including security guards. I saw the criminals leave through entrance five with a large bag, which I suspect contained the jewellery.”

Another witness from a clothing store, who spoke anonymously, said, “As I arrived at work, I heard a loud bang. When I looked down, I saw robbers breaking the glass. Our store was still locked but there was already staff inside. They immediately opened for me and my other colleagues and we hid inside.”

The woman stated that as an employee working at the mall, she was concerned about her safety especially as robberies are becoming a common occurrence.

Some shoppers, who used entrance five at the mall on the day had to use alternate entry points, as a large area was marked off for investigations.

Other shoppers, who were unaware of the robbery, continued shopping as normal. Last year, after the Narandas robbery, Gateway marketing manager, Michelle Shelley, had issued a statement, saying, “The safety and security of our shoppers and tenants is of utmost importance to Gateway, however, tighter security measures must be revised to ensure both staff and shoppers are safe.”

A mall security guard, who spoke anonymously, commented, “It is hard for us to stand up to the robbers because we are not armed and they are. When they approach us with dangerous weapons, we have to retreat to save our lives, we don’t have a choice,” he said.

The getaway vehicle was found abandoned on the M25 before Sasol garage. Investigations continue.