The police have launched a manhunt for an unknown number of suspects linked to an armed robbery at Elim Mall on Monday morning (8 May), during which a 16-year-old girl was shot and killed.
The robbers had stolen an undisclosed amount of money but were accosted by security guards. Shots were fired and shoppers and their children had to run for safety. The scene played out in the parking lot, near Roots Butchery, at about 10:00, as security guards from a cash-in-transit company were collecting money from the mall's shops.
The Limpopo police spokesperson, Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba, said the suspects had fled in a white Toyota Hilux Super cab. "During the robbery, the security officials retaliated, and a shootout ensued. In the process, a 16-year-old girl and a 26-year-old man were shot and seriously injured. They were taken to the hospital, where the 16-year-old succumbed to her injuries. Police investigations continue," said Ledwaba.
One of the witnesses told the newspaper that the robbery had been very traumatic. "We were all scared because it resulted in the tragic loss of an innocent life. We are concerned about the increasing level of crime in the Elim area, which makes the community feel unsafe," the source said.
Mr Wimpie Meyer, marketing manager at Elim Mall, said security personnel had asked shoppers to vacate the immediate area when one of the suspects had opened fire. "Elim Mall has never had an incident of this sort in more than 10 years. We, along with law enforcement, private security, and other stakeholders, are taking all the necessary steps to ensure this remains an isolated incident."
Meyer said they had already engaged with the deceased's family to offer their support in every way they could, as well as to the man who had been injured during the incident. "The retailers involved have also already offered their support, and we are grateful to see the mall's community coming together in this way," he said.
The acting provincial police commissioner in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, appealed to the community to provide them with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects. "If we stick together, nothing can defeat us. It is high time that the criminals realise that they have no room [for them] to operate in our society," he said.
Anyone with information is requested to contact Waterval Detective Commander Captain Mabunda on 082 565 7901. Alternatively, they can call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest Police Station, or go onto the MySAPS app.