My daughter and I had just left the Casseldale Spar (in Springs) on Monday night, at approximately 7:30 pm, having parked near the entrance, when a young couple charged across the road to their car in the parking area.

We at first thought they were running from the shop having committed shoplifting.

The next minute the car guard shouted, “Julle moet hardloop!” [You must run] as he ran away.

At the same time we saw a gang of men charge across the road into the Spar, the last one stopping at the entrance with what appeared to be an automatic firearm.

We pulled off and had to wait for a large white taxi to pass us and then stop at the entrance to this Spar.

I think a white Polo also stopped there.

I immediately phoned 10111 and unbelievably got them answering immediately.

My daughter and I then prayed for the shop employees, feeling helpless regarding physical assistance.

We rode around the block and passed the store to see the doors closed and the employees seemed to have their hands on their heads.

Soon after this we heard the police sirens.

I soon after tried to find out if the employees were all fine by dialling 10111 but as I was not given a reference number they could not help me.

The Spar was the second one to be hit in less than a week.

Last week, an armed gang robbed five stores at the VC Spar complex in Brakpan.

To submit your own iwn report or pictures email them to iwn@ewn.co.za.