Police have launched a manhunt for five armed suspects who shot and wounded four people, including an 11-year-old girl, at a Gugulethu mall.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut says the suspects robbed a retail store and fled with cellphones.
They shot randomly at shoppers while fleeing from the scene.
“Five armed suspects are being sought by our detectives following a shootout at a Gugulethu mall which left four people injured earlier today [on Saturday],” he said.
“The suspects perpetrated a robbery at a retail store in the mall and fled with cellular telephones.
“While fleeing the scene, they randomly shot at shoppers injuring a 51-year-old female and an 11-year-old girl.
“They then shot and wounded two security guards, aged 38 and 48, before managing to get away. The injured victims were admitted to the hospital.”
Witness Notshawe Matye says she and her cousin were in the mall when the shooting started and were left traumatised after they had to flee for their lives.
“All I can say I will never be comfortable with going to the mall ever again. What I witnessed is something else, those guys meant business. We are not safe, not safe at all,” she says.
“My cousin cried so bad, she could not believe seeing a security guard being shot.
“How we managed to run for our lives we do not know, I wish those injured a speedy recovery.”
Colonel Traut says anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.