Popular jewellery retail store in Westville searching mall robbed, civilian shot

Durban – Police are investigating a situation of robbery immediately after a jewellery store at a popular shopping mall in Westville was robbed and a civilian was shot and hurt in the crossfire on Wednesday evening.

KZN law enforcement spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said the complainant alleged that she was accomplishing her obligations with her colleague when they had been accosted by a few armed males at all-around 5.40pm.

“She further alleged that, at gunpoint, the suspects assaulted them, demanded the secure keys and took a bag with different jewelry.

“The security guards who had been performing their responsibilities noticed what was taking place and confronted the suspects.

“A shootout ensued in between the guards and the suspects. A civilian was shot in the crossfire. He sustained a gunshot wound to his proper knee and was taken to hospital for health care consideration.”

Mbele explained an staff was assaulted. The stability guard was not injured.

Mbele reported the robbers fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of jewellery.

“Charges of theft, aggravated assault and tried murder were opened at Westville law enforcement station for investigation.”

IOL