Armed robbers hold up East London wholesaler

Police have launched a manhunt for four armed men who robbed Jumbo Cash & Carry in East London's wholesale store on Wednesday morning making off with what is believed to be about R100,000 worth of business takings.

The thugs also cost the company six hours of trading as police closed the store for investigation.

The dramatic incident was caught on CCTV cameras, showing four suspects casually walking into the store, overpowering a lone security guard and proceeded to the tills where they terrorized woman cashiers at gunpoint before walking out with plastic bags full of cash.

East London police spokesperson Captain Hazel Mqala said the police are investigating a case of business robbery. She said the robbery took place at 11.30. “It is alleged that they fled in a white Toyota sedan. No arrest has been made at the present moment. Anyone with information must come forward and the information will be treated confidential.”

Mqala said: “It is alleged that four male suspects approached the store and one remained at the door. Three [suspects] entered the shop, two of the suspects threatened a cashier with a firearm and demanded money.”

The spokesperson said: “The cashier opened the till and an undisclosed amount of money was taken by the suspects. No shots was fired and no one was hurt.”