VANDERBIJLPARK – A quiet evening at the Vaal Mall turned into chaos in minutes when a group of armed men stormed the complex on June 3.
According to information at Ster’s disposal, at about 19:26, the heavily armed men pounced on the mall with balaclavas.
They targeted a cellphone kiosk and got away with cellphones and an undisclosed amount of money.
Sedibeng District police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela confirmed the incident and told the paper that several cases have been opened.
“SAPS in Sedibeng District is investigating cases of business robbery, business burglary and attempted murder following an incident that occurred at Vaal Mall,” she said.
Maxambela said that during the incident, two more business premises in the shopping centre suffered damage.
“No injuries were reported, and no shots were fired during the robbery,” she said.
The robbery took a dramatic turn when information received by police led members of the Vanderbijlpark Task Team to identify and pursue a white VW Combi believed to have been used by the suspects.
“During the pursuit along the R57 behind CW6 at approximately 19:50, occupants of the vehicle allegedly opened fire on police officers,” she said.
Maxambela said police returned fire and the suspected vehicle subsequently collided with a roadside sign.
“The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby veld. No police members were injured during the exchange of gunfire, although a marked SAPS vehicle sustained damage,” she added.
The scene was processed by Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) members, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was notified in accordance with legal requirements.
While police continue with the investigation, Maxambela said no arrests have yet been made.
“Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is requested to contact the nearest police station or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Information may also be provided anonymously through the MySAPS App.”
Vaal Mall confirmed the incident and said no staffers or security personnel were injured.
“Vaal Mall Centre Management confirms that an after-hours break-in occurred at the shopping centre at approximately 19:25 on June 3. The incident occurred after trading hours and affected two retail stores. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Centre Management is working closely with the SAPS and its private security partners, and the matter remains subject to an ongoing investigation.”
