Lentswe, Klerksdorp - How can a shop in a busy shopping centre be robbed in broad daylight, the robbers simply run in, take what they want and run out again. Is it that easy? These are some of the questions shoppers at the Pick n Pay hypermarket are asking after the pandemonium on Monday October 13, when six armed robbers without any face coverings stormed in at around 11:00, started smashing the glass cases at Kings Jewellers and loaded jewellery and watches into a bag, and ran out again.
Two detained the owner and the other four took jewellery.
This was the second time since 2023 that the shop has been robbed and stronger glass was apparently installed after the previous robbery to protect the jewellery.
The terrified shoppers fled in all directions, with some hiding in the Wimpy. Others stood frozen at the cash registers. Others just wanted to get away and just left their shopping and ran out.
According to Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, police spokesperson, the robbers jumped into a car and sped away. The car was later found, but there is still no trace of the robbers. Lentswe was at the scene with some shoppers who were not even aware of the incident and others who were too shocked to speak.
Outside, people said they heard gunshots and fled, but police confirmed that no shots were fired.
Another person said they would have shot the robbers if they had only had their firearms with them.
Everyone agreed that something like this should not happen and that security at the centre needs to be improved.
Minutes after the incident, it was business as usual and people continued with their shopping while several curious people gathered around the jewellery store where the police were taking statements.
The staff members of the jewellery store received counselling after the incident. They did not want to speak to the media.
Kings Jewellers has been trading in the shopping centre for several years.
- Were you in the store and saw or experienced the robbery? The police would like to speak to you.
Contact the Klerksdorp detective commander, Col JC Scholtz, at 082 568 6264, with information.
