Seven car guards and two security officers have been hailed heroes after preventing a hijacking at the Village Mall and saving a woman’s life.
A woman was climbing into her car at the Village Mall in Hartbeespoort when she was held up at gunpoint, pulled from her car and shoved into the back seat. This all took place in the car park of the shopping centre, in front of 9 very brave men.
The seven car guards were suspicious of the two men loitering in the parking lot and ran to assist the woman when they heard her screams. The robbers saw the car guards coming for them and took off with the woman’s handbag and cellphone.
The men, including two security guards, took chase and called for backup.
“They ran when they saw us coming but we came from all sides.”
They managed to catch one of the fleeing criminals in the parking area. The other ran for the bushes, throwing his gun before being caught as well. A search for the weapon was initiated and a little while later, they emerged with a 9 mm pistol.
“From the mall’s security footage, it was evident that the two robbers arrived with a third suspect in a white BMW. The driver went into the mall for a while while the two robbers loitered in the parking lot, walking up and down. The driver left in the BMW and it was then that the two suspects tried to hijack the woman,” said Romano van der Spuy, chairman of the Hartbeespoort community policing forum.
“The woman sustained facial injuries but was otherwise unharmed.”
The CPF and Village Mall management have expressed their gratitude to the vigilant car guards. These men risked their own lives to save the woman and catch the criminals.
“The car guards have received much praise on Facebook but I want to request community members to show their appreciation by donations that can be used to the benefit of these alert men who look after our belongings and who have now repeatedly thwarted thieves, car thieves and hijackers,” Van der Spuy said.
Village Mall manager, Heleen Erasmus has asked if anyone wishes to donate good shoes and jackets for the guards before the coming winter, need only contact mall management. The mall would also administrate all donations from community members.
“We have a wonderful group of car and security guards here and people who want to contribute are welcome to contact me,” Heleen said.
So next time you see a car guard, remember they risk their lives daily to make sure you are safe. A little kindness goes a long way for these hard-working citizens.
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