A brazen daylight armed robbery right outside one of the entrances of the popular Kenilworth Centre mall has prompted warnings to business owners to take additional precautions when carrying large amounts of cash around, with the intention of depositing it at a bank.

Claremont police are investigating an armed robbery case following the incident on Monday morning, 22 April.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, two men can be seen approaching an entrance at the mall. The one man is carrying a black backpack, while the second man is his employer.

As they are about to enter the mall, two suspects walked towards them, pointing their firearms at them.

The employer quickly ran inside the mall, but the other man, seemingly frozen in fear, raises his arms in the air as the armed suspects come into view.

The one suspect holds the firearm to his head, and then forces the backpack off his back. A second suspect approaches him, frisks him for anything else he can steal, and takes off.

According to media reports, the backpack contained nearly half a million rand in cash (R486 000).

The suspects fled in a vehicle, whose licence plate number has also been widely distributed online.

Police say the motive is robbery.

Kenilworth Centre’s spokesperson Gouwa Waja says the mall’s security immediately contacted the police and they are co-operating fully in the investigation.

“We want to reassure all visitors that the centre remains secure, and business operations are continuing as usual.”

She says Centre Management has also requested shoppers to be vigilant at all times:

• Remain vigilant about safety.
• Try not walk alone and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• If you see something suspicious, call the Centre Management
• Urge anyone who is the victim of, or witness to, a crime to contact the appropriate authorities.

Waja says while this is not a regular occurence, Kenilworth Centre is cognisant of the community concerns and continue to take steps to ensure the safety of customers, tenants and employees.

“We take security very seriously and will continue to work to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to provide a safe working and shopping environment.”

Anyone with any information about this incident is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

ALSO READ: Crime Stats: Contact crimes increase