File
East London police have launched a manhunt for a group of men who pulled off a brazen robbery at a jewellery store in Vincent Park on Thursday.
Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said about nine suspects, who wore masks and gloves, forced their way into the store, ordering staff to lie down on their stomachs.
A video of the aftermath shows smashed display cabinets, as the gang stole jewellery and watches.
Gantana said the store manager pressed the panic button, which caused smoke to fill the store, but this did not deter the suspects.
She saidthat while fleeing the mall, they stole a firearm from a security officer and fired a shot at another security official who was in a vehicle outside the mall.
No one was injured in the drama as the suspects fled toward Cambridge.
Gantana said cases of business robbery, robbery with a firearm and two counts of attempted murder were registered.
“The docket will be transferred to the Provincial Serious Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation,” she said.
Police are appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of these suspects to contact the SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.
