Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2015-01-29

Image Credit @tshepz_m

Seven people were shot and wounded including 3 shoppers, 2 security guards and 2 suspects after gunmen stormed the Bedford Centre, east of Johannesburg, Gauteng police said.

According to witnesses the incident happened shortly before midday when at least three men armed with Ak47s tried to rob the Standard Bank on the upper floor in the banking section of the mall.
 
“A shooting ensued between them, with some customers caught in the crossfire. An undisclosed amount of money was taken by some of the suspects.” Police spokesman Lt Col Katlego Mogale said.

Police recovered two firearms, including an AK47 inside the shopping centre.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Santi Steinmann said the people who were shot are in a serious to critical condition and have been taken to various hospitals.
 
She said all had sustained gunshot wounds, and that police were on the scene investigating.

Bedford Centre management confirmed the incident involved a shoot-out between security company SBV and robbers.

A tweet on an account for Bedford Centre said: Bedford are investigating this horrific incident [sic]. We will release a statement as soon as we have more information.”

The crime scene has been cordoned off and police are combing the area for evidence.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)