One dead in Joburg mall shoot-out

A man was killed after an apparent shoot-out between gunmen and police at Greenstone shopping centre in Edenvale.

Johannesburg - A man believed to be in his 20s was killed on Monday morning after an apparent shoot-out at Greenstone shopping centre in Edenvale, on the East Rand, ER24 said.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said paramedics, along with another private service, arrived on the scene and found a motor vehicle in the parking area surrounded by a heavy police presence.

Meiring said it was believed that there was a shoot-out between the police and an unknown number of gunmen. He said the exact details surrounding the shooting were not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

“On inspection, paramedics found the man lying next to his vehicle,” Meiring said.

He said paramedics' assessment showed that the man had sustained a gunshot wound to his head and his abdomen, and showed no signs of life. “Unfortunately, nothing could be done for the man and he was declared dead on the scene.”

Edenvale police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Jean Olkers said the deceased was part of a group of gunmen who had started firing shots at patrolling officers before fleeing the scene.

“Police officers were patrolling in the area when they spotted the suspects,” Olkers said.

“When the police approached, the suspects started firing shots at them. The police then shot and killed one of the suspects for self defence.”

African News Agency