Seven men, aged 27 to 36, allegedly involved in Tuesday’s jewellery store robbery at Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort, Gauteng, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that the men face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, possession of firearms and malicious damage to property.

Eight armed robbers stormed into Wolf Brothers Jewellers, holding employees at gunpoint and making off with a substantial amount of jewellery.

The heist escalated dramatically when police and various security companies intercepted the suspects outside the mall, leading to a shoot-out during their attempted escape.

Four suspects were apprehended at the scene, while one fled in a getaway vehicle with the others. Swift police action and community assistance led to the arrest of three more suspects in Dobsonville, Soweto.

The case was postponed until Thursday to allow the accused time to appoint legal representatives.