Armed robbers make off with jewellery at Joburg's Clearwater Mall

JOHANNESBURG -  Police are on the scene of a robbery at Clear Water Mall in Rooderpoort.

It’s understood six suspects entered a jewellery store and began shooting when they couldn’t gain access to the safe.

According to the shopping centre, the "suspects fled with an undisclosed number of items".

The latest is that one suspect has been shot and taken to hospital.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspects entered the store and started shooting when an employee only gave them access to one safe.

ALSO READ: JHB mall jewellery heist: 'It was well planned' - says eyewitness

When the police arrived,  a shootout ensued and one police officer was shot and has been taken to hospital.

A suspect has also been taken to hospital after police returned fire.

The situation remains tense as police officers are scouring the scene.

Police are remaining mum with little details being shared at the moment.

UPDATE: THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED

Three suspects have been arrested for the brazen robbery at the mall.

After the cops' swift response to the crime, a shootout ensued.

Several bullet shell casings were littered on the ground outside the Clearwater Mall, a clear indication of the dangerous exchange that unfolded.

The area where the incident happened this afternoon remains at a standstill --- and has been cordoned off from the public.

Moreover, traffic in the vicinity had to be diverted by law enforcement officials.

Police later confirmed that the suspects tried to escape the scene with valuables including expensive watches, but were caught red-handed.