By Marlan Padayachee
Horrific criminal activities like the brazen jewellery heist at Highway shopping malls and CBDs continues to shock and haunt the townsfolk of Westville, which is emerging as Durban’s latest crime hotspot following a spate of incidents during a winter of discontent.
Within minutes of the shocking incident at the Westwood Mall going viral on WhatsApp networks, in which with neigbouring shop assistants began filming the outrageous smash-and-grab at the American Swiss store, gasping in disbelief and urging each other to continue capturing the heist perpetrated by group of men wearing hoodies.
The smash and grab looting is another jewellery heist in recent years follows similar robberies.
Westville SAPS spokesperson, Captain Elizabeth Squires said: ‘’I can confirm a jewellery shop was held up in Westwood. A case of armed robbery has been opened and is being investigated by detectives.’’
The robbers attacked the store nearest to the escalators: ‘’They are smart, they went to the one in the corner, the American Swiss, Oh my God. Haibo. What about the security? There is the security guard on the floor,’’ said the onlookers.
‘’They only go for jewellery shops,’’ said another voice on the video footage.
The robbers fled with an undisclosed amount of jewellery.
