Food Lovers Market calls Randburg armed robbery ‘traumatic’
One shopper described hiding in the bathroom while everyone was screaming, as 10 suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Food Lovers Market said the armed robbery at its Lifestyle Randburg branch was traumatic.
One shopper described hiding in the bathroom while everyone was screaming.
Shots were fired during the incident on February 23 and a spokesperson from the store chain confirmed cash was taken though they would not disclose how much.
“Fortunately, nobody was injured,” said the spokesperson.
“It was, however, a traumatising experience and we have requested our franchisee to arrange counselling for team members at the store. The safety of our customers and team is very important to us, and we have all the appropriate security measures to keep our customers and team safe.”
One shopper, Tarryn Talbot also called the incident traumatic.
“I was there, and hid in a bathroom when everyone was screaming, and people were crouched down and behind tables at Streatery,” she said.
“I only came out when it was safe to do so, went straight to my car, and drove away.”
Honeydew police media liaison Warrant Officer Dave Stanton said no suspects have been arrested yet.
“[A] complainant, whilst working on the floor was approached by one male suspect who pointed a black 9mm pistol at her,” he said.
“The suspect demanded two tills be opened. The suspect then removed cash from various other points.”
These were the only two suspects who entered the store, though an estimated eight others stood outside with firearms visible.
They fired an unknown number of warning shots while leaving with the cash in four motor vehicles.
“We are urging shopping centres and malls to endeavour to keep their customer vehicle access points to a minimum and to ensure that these points have robust security. Automatic locking gates and protective guard houses at access points are an effective security measure.”
On the same day, social media posts were doing the rounds about a robbery at Northgate Shopping Centre and that the mall was in lockdown.
Honeydew CPF public relations officer Michael Steyn said this was fake news and residents should not spread it.
“It’s sad that people post what they think they heard and it turns out to be fake news. It puts unnecessary strain on resources as we now have responders racing to get to the scene in which nothing is happening,” he said.
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