Shootout at a shopping centre in Crown Mines, Johannesburg

Gauteng police are investigating cases of armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition following an incident at a shopping centre in Crown Mines, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 13 August 2026, at approximately 10:30.

It is alleged that the complainant, accompanied by shopping centre security personnel, was transporting an undisclosed amount of cash to the main safe when they were confronted by two armed men. The suspects allegedly pointed firearms at them and instructed them to lie down before taking the cash and a cellphone belonging to one of the security guards.

The complainant activated a panic button, alerting additional security personnel. Security guards at the main entrance subsequently spotted a red Volkswagen Polo, allegedly occupied by five suspects, travelling at high speed towards the exit.

When security personnel attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects allegedly opened fire, resulting in a shootout. The suspects’ vehicle collided with another vehicle entering the shopping centre and came to a stop. One suspect, who remained inside the vehicle, sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the shootout. The other suspects fled on foot. One suspect allegedly attempted to hijack a Toyota Quantum but was stopped by taxi operators, while another was apprehended by security guards. It was discovered that two suspects sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving medical treatment under police guard. Two other suspects managed to escape and are being sought by police. A security guard also sustained a gunshot wound and is receiving medical treatment. The suspects’ vehicle was found displaying false registration plates and was confirmed to have been hijacked and previously reported stolen at Jeppe Police Station.

The stolen cash was recovered, while police also recovered three pistols and an AK-47 rifle. The serial numbers of all four firearms had been filed off and will be taken for ballistic testing to determine whether the suspects may be linked to other criminal activities.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are continuing to search for the remaining suspects. Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is urged to contact the #CrimeStop Line on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the #MySAPSApp.