A group of armed robbers forced their way into Empangeni Shopping Centre in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this morning, by smashing through the main entrance. Several of the same group were later killed and injured in a shoot-out with police on the N2 near the King Shaka off-ramp.

Reports indicate that the incident at the shopping centre occurred during the security guard shift change.

After gaining entry to the mall, the robbers went straight to a clothing shop, broke into it and stole expensive clothes. They also broke into a cellphone shop and ransacked it before loading their loot into their two getaway vehicles.

One of the guards speculates that the suspects monitored them before the incident.

“It seems as if they were aware that we are not armed because this occurred shortly after our response guard had left to pick up his dayshift colleague.

“We could not do anything at all as the men were armed with guns. One of our colleagues confronted them and damaged their getaway vehicle with a dustbin and they sped off,” says the guard.

Watch the video of the guard throwing the robbers with a dustbin here: 

A case of business robbery was registered for investigation at Empangeni Saps.

Shortly after 07:00, IPSS Medical and IPSS Security joined a high-speed chase on the N2 after two vehicles containing several wanted suspects was followed from Empangeni by private security services and task force members.

Read: 4 shot dead after high speed chase ends near King Shaka off-ramp

The Northglen News reports that the chase took place on the N2 (southbound), stretching from the Tongaat Toll Plaza up until King Shaka airport off-ramp.

According to Paul Herbst of Medi-Response paramedics, the suspects were travelling in two getaway vehicles. It is believed the getaway vehicles were intercepted by private security companies and the SAPS.

“A chase and shootout ensued on the N2. Near Tongaat Toll Plaza, three suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were treated by paramedics. The second getaway vehicle managed to escape and continue down the highway.

“In proximity to the King Shaka airport off-ramp, four more suspects, in the second getaway vehicle, sustained fatal gunshot wounds during an exchange,” Herbst explains.

Marshall Security’s spokesperson Tyron Powell confirms that the company’s Special Operations Team, IPSS Security Operations and the Phoenix SAPS Trio Crimes Unit were involved.