During the operation, jewellery estimated to be valued at R3 million was recovered as well clothing, bank cards and mobile routers.
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FIVE suspects who allegedly robbed Premjis Jewellers at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Sunday were arrested on Monday morning, while attempting to find a buyer for the stolen items valued at about R3 million.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, a police spokesperson, said some of the suspected stolen items were recovered.
While processing the scene at the mall, police received crucial information that the suspects in the robbery were seeking a buyer for the stolen items in Umlazi.
Police officers from the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit as well eThekwini District Task Team swiftly acted on the intelligence and proceeded to Umlazi in search of the suspects.
"Through coordinated effort, hard work and perseverance, police arrested five suspects in the early hours of Monday. During the operation, jewellery estimated to be valued at R3 million was recovered as well clothing, bank cards and mobile routers."
Magwaza said the suspects, aged between 20 and 44 years, were charged with business robbery and attempted murder.
They will appear in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Tuesday
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said its call centre was inundated with calls from frantic shoppers on Sunday requesting assistance after reports of gunshots being fired.
It was alleged that the suspects used explosives to gain entry into the heavily secured store.
Rusa said that as the suspects attempted to flee, they opened fire with rifles on an armed response officer from another private security company who was entering the mall in his vehicle to respond to the incident. The officer was shot during the exchange of gunfire.
It was reported that shoppers sought refuge inside nearby businesses as the incident unfolded.