The terrifying moment when a gang of 15 armed robbers stormed the Lakeside Mall in Benoni on Wednesday was caught on camera.
The robbery took place around midday.
In the first video shared on social media, several men are seen running in the mall while gunshots can be heard. The voice of a terrified woman is heard as she witnesses the robbery and the shooting unfolds in front of her eyes.
In the second video, the armed robbers are seen running out of the mall, guns in the air with their loot. Three getaway cars wait for them outside and the robbers are seen stuffing the bags of stolen goods into the cars. It seems as if they panic and they leave a big pile of stolen goods in the parking lot while the robbers are seen hastily getting into the car including the boot.
According to police spokesperson Captain Nomsa Sekele, 15 armed men stormed the store just after 12pm. They took merchandise and demanded money.
“A shoot-out ensued between security personnel and the suspects, but no injuries were reported,” said Sekele.
But paramedics reported two injured people on the scene.
ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said a man and woman were injured following the apparent armed robbery.
“ER24 and Life Healthcare arrived on the scene to find the SAPS and security members already in attendance.
“Paramedics were led into the rear of a shop, where a man was found with a minor wound to his buttocks. A woman was found in another shop with a minor wound to her chest.”
Meiring said both patients were treated and transported to a private hospital for further care.
Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.
#ArmedRobbery Lake side mall Benoni earlier today. Footage received.. @BOSBEER2006 @MARIUSBROODRYK @News24 @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/Y4w8KE1sRX
— BOSBEER.COM (@BOSBEER2006) July 20, 2022
