Dominic Adriaanse
SIX armed robbers pulled off a daring cash-in-transit robbery at the Pick n Pay in the Promenade Mall in Mitchells Plain yesterday, making off with a bag of money.
Metro police arrested suspects in Beacon Valley shortly after the heist.
However, the police could not confirm whether the arrests were connected to the cash heist.
Hundreds of shoppers fled the store when it became apparent a robbery was taking place.
According to witnesses, the robbers were dressed as security guards.
The suspects were in the busy store and approached cash-in-transit staff doing a delivery at Pick n Pay.
Yesterday was a South African Social Security Agency grants payday.
Panicked shoppers and staff fled the store, running into nearby shops, where the owners quickly closed their doors.
A mall employee, who did not want to be identified, said:
“There was just chaos and people were running into the nearest store and we were told to lock our doors.
“I cannot say if there were any shots fired as there was just too much commotion at that time.”
Store owner Mogamad Qasim said that people rushed into his store before an alarm went off, requiring everyone to evacuate the premises.
“I just saw people running and I locked my doors and did as I was instructed by the mall security. It all happened so fast,” said Qasim.
Promenade Mall management declined to comment while the incident is being investigated by police.
Western Cape Pick n Pay general manager Jarett van Vuuren confirmed that a robbery took place at its Promenade store.
“No one was hurt or taken hostage and we are co-operating with the South African Police Service. The store has been temporarily closed,” said Van Vuuren.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said the suspects were alleged to have been wearing security uniforms.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said when police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered that a robbery had occurred inside the supermarket.
“It is alleged that unknown suspects were inside the supermarket pretending to be customers when they approached two security officials inside the supermarket.
“Three armed suspects pointed firearms at the security guards and they took a money bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash,” said Van Wyk.
Both cash-in-transit security officials firearms were taken and six suspects fled the mall in a silver VW Tdi that was parked near the mall, he said.
“ A cash-in-transit case was opened for investigation. No one was injured during the robbery and no shots were fired,” said Van Wyk.
Anyone with information about the incident can call Crime Stop on 0860 10 111 or sms Crimeline 32211.