[imagesource: Twitter / @Abramjee]

Several shoppers and shopkeepers in Lakeside Mall, Benoni, were caught in the midst of a terrifying ordeal on Wednesday.

A gang of about 15 suspects stormed the mall to bag some loot, brandishing their AK-47s and pistols, according to eyewitnesses on the scene.

The gang targeted Crossover International, a shop selling various branded fashion items, taking a bunch of merchandise and demanding money.

According to News24, one eyewitness said that the scene was “like a movie”, adding “I quickly took cover after seeing them.”

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the gang travelled in three vehicles:

“On their way out, [the] suspects started shooting randomly as they were running towards [their] getaway vehicles – three sedans,” [said Masondo].

…”The security also fled when the robbers made their way in. I immediately closed the door and lay down on the floor. I heard a series of gunshots, these suspects had big guns,” an eyewitness said.

Here’s the video:

Armed robbery at Lakeside Mall in Benoni around midday. Approx 15 suspects in 3 getaway vehicles – shots were fired. pic.twitter.com/GObZyZIYU1

— Vehicle Trackers (@VehicleTrackerz) July 20, 2022

Another video shows the scene playing out from inside the mall, with a female shopper cowering and cussing in fear as gunshots ring out:

Apparently this just happened at Lakeside Mall, Benoni 😲 #Eskom #Mkhwebane #Midrand #Sundowns #cyanboujee #Xenophobic #Wits #Takealot #Thembisa #Benoni pic.twitter.com/pSCixTWBQj

— Mam’Yangchaza 👑 (@MaZuluOmuhlez) July 20, 2022

People can be seen fleeing the mall as police watch on with weapons drawn:

Lakeside Mall / Benoni – robbery today.

Three cars and a multitude of perpetrators hit the stores. pic.twitter.com/pzTEd2Sjkv

— Joseph Davidson (Jaco) (@jaco_davidson) July 20, 2022

One bag of stolen goods was left behind as the suspects piled into the getaway vehicles.

You wonder what the point was if they didn’t even take all that they came for.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring told The Benoni City Times that two people were injured.

“Medics were led into the rear of a shop, where a man was found with a minor wound to his buttocks. A woman was found in another shop with a minor wound to her chest.

“Both patients were treated and transported to a private hospital for further care,” Meiring said.

Police have not been able to arrest the 15 suspects.

Masondo said that a case of business robbery and attempted murder has been opened for investigation.

[sources:news24&benonicitytimes]