Sadly, new calendars do not get rid of old problems as the December spree of robberies has spilled over into January.

The busy Westgate Super Regional Shopping Centre was the scene of a violent and tragic incident on Monday, 11 January. Two armed men entered the popular fashion outlet, Markham’s, where they forced employees into a storeroom at gunpoint. In the process of collecting cellphones and items from the safe, one employee unfortunately was shot dead. “Preliminary reports suggest that one male employee managed to free himself but was fatally shot as he walked out of the storeroom.

Information from the scene is still sketchy at this point as all relevant crime-scene role players have been summoned and are combing the scene,” confirmed Provincial Police spokesperson, Captain Mavela Masondo. Westgate Centre Management shared their condolences, stating via a press release, ”The centre has been secured and the incident is currently under investigation by police.

“The safety and security of our shoppers, tenants and employees are of the utmost importance to Westgate Shopping Centre Management, and we regret the loss of life and any inconvenience caused as a result of this incident.”

The two robbers fled the scene with stolen items of an unknown value, and police are pleading with members of the public to please share any information that could lead to the arrest of the two men. All information will be treated as strictly anonymous and the public may call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.