A brazen armed robbery at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in uMhlanga has once again raised concerns over safety in high-traffic retail spaces. On Sunday afternoon, 12 April, heavily armed suspects allegedly used explosives to target a jewellery store, shooting two security officers during their escape.
Spokesperson for KZN VIP and KZN VIP Medics, Gareth Naidoo, confirmed the incident. He said: “KZN VIP can confirm that a business robbery occurred at a local mall in the uMhlanga area on Sunday afternoon. It is alleged that multiple suspects, armed with high-calibre firearms, were seen exiting the mall when a confrontation ensued between the suspects and on-site security personnel. During the incident, two security officers sustained gunshot wounds.”
Naidoo added that medics and multiple security stakeholders responded swiftly. One injured officer was treated on-site before being transported to a nearby medical facility, while a second injured officer was privately transported for further treatment.
Spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Prem Balram, noted that reaction officers were inundated with calls from frantic shoppers. “According to information received, a group of armed suspects held up a jewellery store inside the mall. As the suspects attempted to flee, they opened fire with rifles on an armed response officer who was entering the mall in his vehicle. The officer was struck during the exchange,” Balram said.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, SAPS spokesperson for the eThekwini District, Captain JV Naidoo, confirmed the robbery took place at Premjis Jewellery between 2pm and 3pm. “It is alleged that more than five armed suspects, carrying handguns and high-calibre rifles, robbed the store of approximately R5 million in cash and goods. However, I cannot confirm the exact value at this stage. Police have since made arrests and recovered a portion of the stolen property,” Captain Naidoo said.
The Phoenix Community Police Forum (CPF) commended the swift response that led to the recovery of nearly R2 million in stolen goods. CPF spokesperson, Val Pillay, said: “The recovery within such a short period is a testament to effective policing. The shooting of two security officers is deeply concerning, and we wish them a full recovery. We urge shopping centres to continuously review and strengthen security measures.”
Shoppers expressed their shock on social media, with many calling for stricter access control and increased visible policing at major hubs. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping management was contacted for comment; however, no response had been received at the time of publication.
