PICS: Four nabbed after shoot-out during Springs Mall opening
Picture:@LanC_02/The Star Picture:@LanC_02/The Star
Johannesburg - Four men were arrested on Thursday after a shoot-out between police and armed robbers during the official opening of Springs Mall in Springs, east of Johannesburg, police said.
Police spokesperson, Captain Thabo Sibuyi, said: "Four suspects were arrested and are still being questioned. Once they get charged they will appear in court soon."
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) said they responded to a multiple shooting case that took place during the mall opening.
DEMS spokesperson, William Ntladi, said: "Fire fighters and paramedics promptly responded to the scene after receiving the call to render pre-hospital medical treatments to the casualties."
#SpringsMallShootout: Three people including two police officers and a civilian was shot. @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/jEwIebG8m7
— Ilanit Chernick (@LanC_02) March 16, 2017
#SpringsMallShootout: Police say they have four suspects in custody. This car was used the men. @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/d4tMX8gCpM
— Ilanit Chernick (@LanC_02) March 16, 2017
#SpringsMallShootout: Police forensic team are swabbing two of the suspects for evidence. @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/mkBXuvdvIU
— Ilanit Chernick (@LanC_02) March 16, 2017
Ntladi said five patients were accounted for, of which, two were members of the South African Police Services. "One officer sustained a gunshot wound on the shoulder and was airlifted to Union Hospital for further medical care, while the other member sustained gunshot wound on the hand".
A third patient, a member of the public, sustained gunshot wounds on her lower abdominal region and was in a serious but stable condition. She was transported by ambulance to Far East Rand hospital for further medical care.
Two other patients with minor injuries were privately transported to hospital prior to the arrival of emergency services. According to information, one of the two patients was pregnant and felt to the floor while trying to escape during the shooting.