VANDERBIJLPARK – Shoppers and staffers at Cash Crusaders in Vanderbijlpark’s CBD were left shaken after armed thugs staged a daring morning robbery right under their noses.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu, the drama unfolded around 09:37 on September 9.

This comes after a man strolled into the store, gun in hand, and immediately took charge.

“The suspect instructed everyone to cooperate and forced staff members to the back of the shop. Moments later, four more men posing as customers revealed themselves as accomplices,” said Sigcu.

According to the police report, the gang didn’t waste any time.

They allegedly emptied the cash register, snatched a cellphone lying on the counter, and even robbed a customer who was preparing to pay for his goods.

After the lightning-fast heist, the five suspects vanished, leaving behind stunned victims and a rattled business.

Sigcu confirmed that on the arrival of their members, the criminals were long gone.

“A case of business robbery has been opened and investigations are underway to track down the suspects,” Sigcu confirmed.