A GROUP of armed robbers forced their way into Empangeni Shopping Centre (formerly Sanlam Centre) earlier this morning (Wednesday), by smashing through the main entrance.

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

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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 speculated 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,” said the guard.

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

Shortly after 7am, 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.

A shoot-out ensued shortly thereafter, leaving several suspects dead and others critically injured.

See this week’s ZO Weekender edition for the full story

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