Key Points
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Armed robbers stormed Bridge City Shopping Centre, injuring one customer.
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Shots were fired during the robbery, and the suspects fled the scene.
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The police are searching for eight suspects involved in the robbery.
A violent armed robbery took place at the Bridge City Shopping Centre in Durban on Sunday, March 30, leaving one customer injured.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police, eight armed suspects entered a store in the centre and pointed firearms at the employees. They proceeded to steal cell phones and fled the scene.
The robbery occurred during a busy shopping time, leaving shoppers and staff terrified.
KZN VIP Protection Services spokesperson Gareth Naidoo confirmed that many stores were forced to close their doors in fear as the armed robbers carried out their violent acts.
Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the robbery, and the police are actively investigating the crime.
Customer Shot and Hospitalized
During the robbery, shots were fired inside the shopping centre. One female customer was shot and rushed to the hospital by private means.
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram reported that a frantic shopper called their Phoenix Operations Centre at 9:53 a.m., notifying them about the gunshots.
Upon arriving, officers determined that the robbers had targeted the Ackermans Connect store. The suspects fired shots from 9mm pistols and rifles as they escaped.
The injured woman’s condition remains unclear, but she was taken to the hospital shortly after the incident. The police are working to identify the suspects and track them down.
Public Concern Grows Over Crime in Durban
The robbery has sparked growing concerns among residents about the rising crime in Durban.
Many social media users voiced their frustrations, with some questioning the police’s ability to handle crime in the area.
One Facebook user, Andile Nathan, expressed anger over what he called the police’s soft approach to criminals.
The incident took place during the North Regional Durban Business Fair, which was scheduled to run from March 28 to March 30.
The fair was intended to showcase local products and services, but the robbery has left many questioning the safety of the area.
Another user, Mlondi Sibusiso Dube, said he avoided attending the fair this year due to concerns about crime in the region.
KwaMashu police are still searching for the eight suspects involved in the robbery. They are investigating the case under charges of business robbery and attempted murder.
