Katlehong, Ekurhuleni – On Sunday, 24 May 2026, members of the Katlehong South African Police Service engaged in a shootout with suspects during an attempted business robbery at Mdladla Shopping Centre.
The incident targeted a Pick n Pay store at the shopping centre. Police responded to the scene, leading to an exchange of gunfire between officers and the armed suspects.
Two suspects were arrested on the scene. Authorities recovered two unlicensed firearms during the operation. No police officers sustained injuries in the confrontation.
Video footage from the incident shows police vehicles and personnel active in the vicinity of the shopping centre, with visible movement around parked cars and structures near the site. The recording captures elements consistent with a police response, including officers positioned near vehicles in the area.
Police are currently processing the crime scene, and investigations into the full circumstances of the robbery attempt remain ongoing. Details such as the exact number of suspects initially involved, any additional recoveries, or the identities and ages of the arrested individuals have not been publicly released by SAPS at this stage.
This intervention by Katlehong SAPS disrupted what appears to have been a planned armed robbery at a busy retail location. Business robberies remain a significant concern in parts of Gauteng, often involving armed groups targeting stores during operating hours.
No further official statements from the provincial or national SAPS communications unit were available as of the latest checks. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses, including potential charges related to attempted business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, and any other related offences.
Local residents and business owners in the Katlehong area have expressed appreciation for the rapid police response in community forums. Mdladla Shopping Centre is located in a densely populated township area, with the Pick n Pay serving as a key retail outlet.
OTHER NEWS
Nigerian Youths Protest at Shoprite Amid Xenophobia Tensions Linked to South Africa
Fresh tensions linked to xenophobic attacks in South Africa have once again sparked protests in Nigeria, with groups of youths targeting stores associated with South African businesses, including branches of Shoprite Holdings.
Reports and historical records show that several demonstrations and shutdowns of Shoprite outlets have taken place in Nigeria during periods of heightened anger over attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Nigerians.
According to multiple reports, Nigerian youths and student groups previously forced the temporary closure of Shoprite branches in areas including Ogun State, Lagos and Abuja during anti-xenophobia protests. Demonstrators accused South African-linked businesses of benefiting economically from Nigeria while Nigerians living in South Africa were allegedly facing violence, intimidation and discrimination.
In Abuja, protesters reportedly gathered near Shoprite malls and blocked roads while demanding action against xenophobic violence. Security personnel were deployed to several shopping centres amid fears of looting and unrest. Some stores reportedly failed to open during the protests as a precautionary measure.
In Lagos and other Nigerian cities, demonstrations also spread to other South African-linked businesses, including telecommunications company MTN. Some facilities were vandalised while businesses temporarily suspended operations due to security concerns.
The protests were linked to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa over the years. Nigerians have been among several groups affected during attacks targeting foreign nationals. Reports and analysts have previously noted that tensions were often fuelled by unemployment, crime concerns and anti-immigrant sentiment in some communities.
The Nigerian government previously condemned attacks on South African businesses inside Nigeria, warning that retaliation could damage economic relations between the two countries. Officials also stated that many South African companies operating in Nigeria employ large numbers of Nigerian citizens and contribute to the local economy.
Shoprite Holdings has previously condemned xenophobic violence and stated that it supports peaceful coexistence across Africa. The retailer also acknowledged in past statements that unrest connected to xenophobia negatively affected its operations outside South Africa.
South Africa and Nigeria remain two of Africa’s largest economies with strong trade and business ties. However, xenophobic violence and retaliatory protests have repeatedly strained relations between citizens of the two countries over the years.
