Durban Metro Police Defend Officers After Viral Video Shows Them Driving Past Armed Robbery at Pinetown Mall
A viral video capturing Durban Metro Police officers seemingly ignoring an armed robbery in progress at Pinecrest Centre in Pinetown has sparked widespread outrage on social media. The footage, recorded on Sunday afternoon, 23 November 2025, shows a metro police vehicle driving past a group of heavily armed suspects who were allegedly robbing a courier team and loading stolen goods into a white getaway vehicle. While some online users slammed the officers for not intervening, others suggested they were outnumbered and wisely avoided a shootout. Durban Metro Police have defended their team, saying the calm response prevented potential injuries or deaths in a dangerous situation.
The incident unfolded in the mall’s parking lot, where more than four suspects dressed in black and carrying rifles pointed their weapons at the police vehicle, instructing the officers to continue driving. No prior report of the robbery had been made, and the officers were on routine patrol. As investigations continue, the video has raised questions about police response times and safety protocols in high-risk areas. With public sentiment divided, authorities are urging calm while emphasising the risks officers face daily.
The Viral Footage: What Happened at Pinecrest Centre
The disturbing video, which has been shared widely on platforms like Facebook and X, depicts a brazen daylight robbery at Pinecrest Centre in Pinetown, west of Durban. Heavily armed suspects, numbering more than four and clad in black, are seen surrounding a white vehicle. They appear to be offloading stolen items from trolleys—possibly from a store or courier van—into the car while shouting commands.
As the metro police vehicle enters the parking lot, the suspects turn their attention to it, pointing rifles directly at the officers and gesturing for them to drive away. The police car complies, continuing past the scene without stopping. In a second clip, two suspects are shown directing the vehicle to leave, again with guns raised. The robbers then climb into the white vehicle and flee the area.
Bystanders can be heard questioning the officers’ actions, with motorists hooting in the background. The exact number of officers in the vehicle remains unclear, but no shots were fired, and no one was harmed during the encounter.
Durban Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu confirmed the department is aware of the video and the public backlash. “The officers were conducting a routine patrol at the time of the incident. It is important to note that no complaint of armed robbery had been reported prior to the ambush,” Zungu said.
Police Defence: Preventing a Dangerous Shootout
In response to the criticism, metro police defended the officers’ decision not to engage. Zungu commended their composure when faced with heavily armed suspects. “Their composed response prevented a potentially dangerous confrontation that could have resulted in unnecessary injuries or fatalities,” he explained.
The department expressed gratitude that no officers or members of the public were hurt, emphasising the risks of intervening in such volatile situations without backup or prior knowledge. This stance has divided opinions, with some agreeing that a gunfight in a busy mall parking lot could have led to civilian casualties, while others argue the police should have at least called for reinforcements or attempted to block the suspects’ escape.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the robbery as of yet, and investigations are ongoing. Questions have been sent to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and metro police for further comment, but the story remains developing.
Public Outrage and Social Media Backlash
The video has ignited fierce debate online, with many expressing shock and anger at what they perceive as police inaction. Comments on platforms like Facebook highlight frustration: “How can police just drive past a robbery? What are we paying them for?” one user wrote. Others shared the footage in groups, calling it a sign of failing law enforcement.
However, some defended the officers, noting they were likely outnumbered and outgunned. “Those suspects had rifles—starting a shootout could have killed innocent people,” another commenter argued. The incident has also sparked broader discussions about crime in Durban’s malls and the safety of shoppers and workers.
Social media users have tagged authorities, demanding accountability and better training for officers in handling armed threats. The video’s rapid spread underscores growing public concern over rising crime rates in KwaZulu-Natal, where robberies at shopping centres have become more frequent.
Broader Context: Crime Trends in Pinetown and Durban
Pinetown, a bustling suburb west of Durban, has seen a spike in armed robberies targeting malls, stores, and courier services in recent years. Pinecrest Centre, a popular shopping spot, has been hit before, with similar incidents involving gunmen storming premises during daylight hours.
This event adds to ongoing worries about safety in public spaces, especially as the festive season approaches. Metro police have ramped up patrols in high-risk areas, but critics say more needs to be done, like installing better CCTV systems and coordinating with private security.
The robbery also highlights vulnerabilities for courier teams, who often carry valuable goods and are prime targets for organised crime syndicates. Community leaders in Pinetown are calling for urgent meetings with police to address these threats.
Calls for Investigation and Improved Response
In light of the video, opposition parties and civic groups are demanding a full investigation into the officers’ conduct. “This cannot be swept under the rug—we need transparency on why they didn’t act,” said a spokesperson for a local safety forum.
Durban Metro Police have assured the public they are reviewing the incident internally. Zungu reiterated the department’s commitment to protecting citizens, urging anyone with information on the suspects to come forward.
As the story develops, authorities are encouraging vigilance among shoppers and reporting suspicious activities promptly. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both the public and police in combating crime, with hopes for swift justice to restore confidence.
For now, the viral video continues to circulate, prompting reflection on the fine line between caution and duty in law enforcement. Residents of Durban and Pinetown await updates, hoping for measures that will make their communities safer.
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