Johannesburg – Gauteng police are investigating an armed robbery, murder and attempted murder following a shootout between security guards and suspected robbers at a Crown Mines shopping centre in Johannesburg.
The incident happened at about 10:30 on Thursday, 13 August 2026, when a complainant and shopping centre security personnel were allegedly transporting an undisclosed amount of cash to the main safe.
Police said two armed men confronted the group, pointed firearms at them and ordered them to lie down before taking the cash and a cellphone belonging to one of the security guards.
The complainant activated a panic button, alerting additional security personnel.
According to police, guards at the shopping centre’s main entrance then spotted a red Volkswagen Polo allegedly carrying five suspects travelling at high speed towards the exit.
“When security personnel attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects allegedly opened fire, resulting in a shootout,” police said.
The vehicle subsequently collided with another car entering the shopping centre and came to a stop.
One suspect who remained inside the vehicle sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the shootout.
The remaining suspects fled on foot. Police said one of them allegedly attempted to hijack a Toyota Quantum but was stopped by taxi operators, while another was apprehended by security guards.
Two suspects sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving medical treatment under police guard. A security guard was also shot and is receiving medical treatment.
Two other suspects managed to escape and are being sought by police.
Police said the suspects’ vehicle was displaying false registration plates and had been hijacked and previously reported stolen at Jeppe Police Station.
The stolen cash was recovered, while police seized three pistols and an AK-47 rifle.
“The serial numbers of all four firearms had been filed off and will be taken for ballistic testing to determine whether the suspects may be linked to other criminal activities,” police said.
Cases of armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition have been opened.
The investigation is continuing as police search for the outstanding suspects.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS App.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
