Johannesburg -
A failed robbery attempt left shoppers at Maponya Mall uncertain about how safe they are at the Soweto shopping centre.
On Wednesday, Pick n Pay Hyper at the centre was almost robbed by seven armed men just before the store was due to open its doors.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said the robbers gained entry into the shop via the back entrance.
“At about 8.40am the suspects walked into the staff dressing room and held them hostage before attempting to rob the shop. There were also security guards in the shop,” he said.
“When the suspects saw the guards, they fled.”
Makhubela said shots were fired at random as the robbers ran away.
“Some ran back out the entrance into the Nancefield hostel and others ran away through the gate. There were no injuries or arrests.”
He said the police were investigating the case and had questioned staff members.
Customers waited patiently outside the closed store, hoping the doors would open.
“This mall is always a target,” said an irritated customer.
She had rushed to the mall to pick up a few things but found herself waiting for more than two hours wondering whether Pick n Pay would open its doors.
“Just a few months ago, I was in the parking lot about to come into the mall when a friend of mine called to tell me Pick n Pay had been robbed just a few hours before,” she said.
As customers waited outside, some grew impatient and left, while others held out until the shop’s doors finally opened.
“It’s the cheapest Pick n Pay, so people target it a lot.
“The Hyper store always has customers coming in,” said another shopper.
Customers said they felt least safe when they had to shop in December because the mall was at its busiest then.
Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Lesetja Mothiba said the province was the worst affected in the country.
There were robberies at at least 11 malls between August 13 and September 9.
Makhubela said anyone who had information about the robberies could call Crime Stop at 086 0010 111 or SMS 32211.
- The Star