Jason Modisenyane, 20, was released without appearing in court on Monday, The Star newspaper reported.

Police investigators had conceded he had nothing to do with the armed robbery of a jewellery shop at Randpark-Ridge shopping mall, north of Johannesburg, at the weekend.

Four people, including a policewoman and a toddler, were shot and wounded.

Modisenyane told the daily he was on his way to Cresta shopping centre to meet a friend when he was arrested.

"Two police officers pulled out on a traffic circle just two houses away from my house. A female officer instructed me to put my hands up while pointing her firearm at me.

"The male officer [fired a] shot in the air and I was told to lie down.

"A motorist told the police that the men were hiding in the nearby country club, but they didn't listen," said Modisenyane.

Four people appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Monday in connection with the robbery.