A shocking incident occurred at a mall in KwaMashu where a woman was shot by gunmen who were fleeing the scene of a robbery. The incident took place on a Sunday morning, with authorities being alerted by shoppers shortly before 10am about the robbery of a cellphone and accessories store.
Despite the swift response from local security companies and authorities, no arrests have been made yet. A manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the crime.
Shots fired in mall
According to reports, shots were fired inside the mall as the robbers made their escape. One female victim was wounded during the shooting and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, she is said to be in stable condition.
The police have opened a case of attempted murder and business robbery in connection with the incident. Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, a spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police, confirmed that authorities are on the lookout for eight suspects believed to be involved in the robbery and shooting.
In a broader context, crime statistics for the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year revealed a concerning trend in KwaZulu-Natal. The province recorded the highest number of attempted murder cases in the country, with 1,915 cases reported. Additionally, there were 3,796 cases of robbery at non-residential premises, marking a 21.3% improvement from the previous year.
Despite efforts to combat crime, incidents like the one at the KwaMashu mall serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety. It is crucial for authorities to work diligently in apprehending the suspects and preventing similar incidents in the future.
