Shoppers at Hemingways Mall in East London were left traumatized after news of an armed robbery spread like wildfire on social media on Saturday.

It is alleged that five suspects put their plan into action about half an hour before closing time and successfully stole clothing worth approximately half a million rand.

Police Spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says the suspects pushed the mall security guards into the shop while one stayed to watch the door.

She says the guards were threatened with a gun and told to lie on the floor while the men loaded their loot into two big bags.

Colonel Naidu says a shot was fired as the suspects fled but nobody was injured.

Police did not disclose the name of the retailer and just confirmed that a 30-year-old complainant called the police when the suspects fled.

A case of business robbery is under investigation and no arrests have been made.

SOURCE:Armed robbery at Hemingways Mall – shot fired (algoafm.co.za)