Bedfordview Mall, Johannesburg

Gun shots were fired at a Johannesburg mall during a robbery on Thursday, South African police said.

Several bystanders were injured as a gang of robbers opened fire while trying to hijack cash at the mall in Bedfordview, east of Johannesburg, eye witnesses said.

The robbers, still locked inside the mall, exchanged fire with police, an eye witness said, adding he saw a woman was shot and wounded in crossfire.

Here is the detail provided by the police, according to News 24.com;

“Seven people, including two alleged robbers, were injured in a shootout at a shopping centre in Bedfordview, east of Johannesburg, on Thursday, Gauteng police said.

“Three customers, two security guards and two suspects were injured during the shooting. All have been taken to hospital,” said spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale.

Security guards were collecting cash inside the centre when they were confronted by a group of armed men, she said.

“A shooting ensued between them, with some customers caught in the crossfire. An undisclosed amount of money was taken by some of the suspects.”

One person had been shot in the head, arm and abdomen while another was shot in the arm, said paramedics spokesperson Danielle Dooley.

One suspect was shot in the leg and tried to run away but was found in the basement area, said Dooley.

Another suspect had been shot in the chest and was found near the escalators.

An elderly woman was found hiding between clothing rails at a store. She had a heart condition and was experiencing chest pain. She was treated on scene and transported to hospital by for further medical treatment.

Police have warned shoppers to stay away from the shopping centre