Johannesburg – A robber was shot dead and

three people were wounded in a hold-up at the Pick n Pay in Radiokop, west of Johannesburg, Gauteng police said on Thursday.

An 14-man gang hit the supermarket at 19:00, ordering everyone inside to lie down, said Lieutnant Colonel Katlego Mogale

The robbers held them at gunpoint while they took money from the tills and some of the cashiers’ belongings

Police were alerted and arrived while the robbers were still on the scene, she said.

“Upon realising that the police were on the scene. the robbers opened fire.”

An off-duty police officer, a Pick n Pay staff member and a person outside the shop were wounded.

“One suspect was shot dead while trying to flee,” said Mogale.

The other robbers made their getaway in two kombis waiting outside the supermarket.

Police later traced one of the vehicles to the George Goch hostel, in Benrose.

“Five suspects were arrested at the hostel and five unlicensed firearms were also recovered,” said Mogale. It was not known how much money the robbers took.

Police were still searching for the rest of the robbers.

SAPA