Customer shot during jewellery store robbery in Pietermaritzburg
According to Mi7 five armed suspects entered the store and discharged firearms at the display glass windows to gain access to jewellery. An undisclosed amount of jewellery was stolen during the robbery.
A customer was shot during a brazen robbery at a jewellery store in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday, as armed suspects stormed the premises and fired shots in full view of shoppers.
According to Mi7, four armed suspects entered the store and discharged firearms at the display glass windows to gain access to jewellery. An undisclosed amount of jewellery was stolen during the robbery.
A customer from another shop sustained a gunshot wound during the incident and was treated on scene before being transported to hospital for further medical attention.
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“There were children and families shopping at the mall, and the robbers fired randomly. It was absolutely terrifying — they ran past me,” said one witness.
Mi7 spokesperson Collin David confirmed that the suspects were armed with heavy-calibre weapons and ammunition. He added that the customer who was shot had been outside another shop at the time.
“The suspects, who are still at large, also fired shots at police vehicle that was on the scene,” said David.
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No cash was stolen during the robbery, and all staff members from the jewellery store were accounted for and unharmed, although they were left severely traumatised.
The shooting sparked panic among shoppers, with many scrambling for safety, and the mall was closed shortly afterwards as police and security personnel secured the scene.
According to David, initial reports suggested that the gang had split themselves strategically, with four entering the store while the remainder stood watch at points.
“It is believed a police vehicle entered the shopping complex parking, unbeknownst to what was going on. One of the suspects, keeping watch, allegedly then opened fire on the vehicle as the others were fleeing,” he said.
Police were on the scene, and investigations are underway.
They had not yet issued an official comment at the time of publication.
