Robbers shoot at cops after store heist

A gang of gunmen, some armed with assault rifles, shot at police during a robbery at a Motherwell shop on Sunday afternoon.

The robbery happened at about 4pm while the Boxer Superstores in Ngonyama Street was closing its doors.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the gunmen arrived in two bakkies.

“A gang of between seven and 10 gunmen then ushered the security guards back into the store,” she said.

“Some of the gunmen forced the guards into the store while a few more remained outside.”

While the robbery was under way, a patrolling police van turned into the car park.

“A man with an assault rifle started shooting at the van.

“At that time, the remaining robbers had exited the shop and were jumping onto the bakkies,” Naidu said.

She said the police officials – who were caught off-guard – did not return fire. “During the shooting, the police managed to do a U-turn while calling for back-up. The suspects fled in the bakkies.

“The patrol van was hit by a bullet,” she said.

“Spent assault rifle cartridges were found on the scene.”

Naidu said the gunmen managed to take the money in the cash registers before fleeing.

No-one was injured in the robbery and a search for the robbers is under way.

In another incident on Monday, two men robbed betting agency Marshalls World of Sport in Govan Mbeki Avenue, Central.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Alwin Labans said the men entered the store while the supervisor was busy with a client.

“One of the men pulled out a firearm and threatened the employee,” he said.

“The robbers stole money from the safe.

“They then ran off,during which time she managed to press the panic button.”