A dramatic armed robbery unfolded Sunday afternoon at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, sending shoppers scrambling for safety and prompting a major emergency response.

According to early reports, a group of armed suspects targeted a jewelry store inside the mall. Eyewitnesses initially indicated that the robbers may have been holed up inside the shop during the unfolding incident, as security teams quickly moved to contain the situation.

Gunfire erupts during escape

As the suspects attempted to flee, gunfire broke out. Reports indicate the group opened fire with rifles on an armed response officer from a private security company who had arrived at the scene.

The officer was struck during the exchange and sustained injuries. His current condition has not yet been officially confirmed.

Panic inside the mall

Shoppers described chaotic scenes as gunshots rang out through the mall. Many people ran for cover, hiding inside nearby stores or seeking shelter behind counters and locked doors.

“It was terrifying—everyone just started running,” one witness said. “We heard shots and didn’t know where it was coming from.”

Heavy police presence

Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), along with other emergency services, responded swiftly after receiving multiple distress calls.

Authorities have since secured the area and launched an active search for the suspects. It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made.

Public urged to avoid area

Officials have urged members of the public to avoid the Gateway Mall area, particularly around Premjees, as emergency crews remain on scene and investigations continue.

This is a developing situation, and further updates are expected as more details become available.