Eight armed robbers hit Tongaat jewellery store in two-minute heist

EIGHT armed men executed a meticulously planned robbery at a Tongaat jewellery store in under two minutes, escaping with an undisclosed amount of jewellery.

CCTV footage captured the brazen daytime heist.

According to Prem Balram, spokesperson for the private security company Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a manhunt is underway for the suspects.

He said the suspects had been observing Johnny’s Jewellers on Gopalall Hurbans for a while.

He said as soon as a customer walked through the store’s gate, the first suspect rushed into the store.

The store's CCTV footage showed one of the suspects holding open the gate and pointing his firearm at a man standing in the store, presumed to be a customer.

A staff member behind the counter raised his hands while four other suspects rushed in.

One of the suspects jumped over the jewellery display cabinet.

The suspects broke glass cabinets and filled bags with jewellery.

One of the suspects attempted to open one of the cabinets, and when he failed with his hand, he kicked the glass and walked away. 

A few seconds later, another suspect stood at the same cabinet and broke the glass, grabbing what he could from inside. 

Balram said it had been alleged that the suspects escaped with an undisclosed amount of gold jewellery.

He said the suspects fled in two vehicles - a grey Toyota Rumion or Suzuki Ertiga – both fitted with false number plates.

“Those present during the robbery were treated for shock and anxiety. One person was assaulted with a firearm to the head, but fortunately the injuries were minor and not life threatening,” said Balram.

“We encourage people to report suspicious persons without delay. In many robbery cases, we find that suspects had been loitering or acting suspiciously hours before the incident. This is unfortunately not reported to law enforcement,” he said.

Tongaat SAPS are investigating a case of business robbery.

THE POST.