Johannesburg - A 15-year-old girl is in a critical state after she was shot nine times during an alleged house robbery, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place in Driefontein, Muldersdrift on Tuesday evening between 9.30pm-10pm.
According to Westrand police spokesperson Captain Appel Ernst, the girl was at home alone when the suspects gained entry.
"When she screamed, the suspects [are alleged to have] opened fire on her. She was hit approximately 9 times in the upper body, leg and arm.
"The suspects ransacked the house and then left."
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Ernst said the victim was later discovered by her mother who then rushed her to the nearest hospital.
She dismissed rumours that a "gang" operating in the area was behind the incident, saying police were unable to find conclusive evidence of this.
"The Westrand SAPS are working around the clock involving all necessary units to make a breakthrough in the robberies in the Muldersdrift area" Major General Anna Mateisi added.
Police urged community members with more information to contact West Rand police.