The daring robbe- ry took place shortly after 09:00 when the clothing store had just opened its doors for business.
Three African men entered the shop and first browsed around, before approaching a cashier.
They asked to buy airtime, but one of the men then went around the counter and showed her a fire-arm.
He then demanded that she empty all the cash out of the tills and then take them to the office.
None of the other staff members where aware that a robbery was taking place at the time.
In the office they emptied the safe and grabbed some cellphones.
The loot was placed in a black back-pack and the men then casually left the shop. Only once the cashier thought that it was safe, did she alert the store manager.
The help of Mall security and police was then called in and the area cordoned off.
After further investigation, it was established that the robbers had entered the Mall at the Pick ’n Pay entrance.
The police are now scanning security camera footage to try to assist them in identifying the perpetrators.
Adjacent shop staff were unaware of what was happening at Pep, until security personnel started searching the area.
A spokesperson for the police said that the robbery had obviously been well planned.
“It all happened so quickly, and only once the robbers had a head start, was the alarm raised.
“We are following all possible leads and are in the process of surveying video footage of the entire Mall for possible identification of the men.”
It is unknown whether the men left on foot or by vehicle.
Mall manager Lisa de Boer said that they are committed to ensuring the safety of patrons to the Mall.
“We regret this incident, but are very gra- teful that it took place quietly, without any of our clients being endangered.
“Perhaps we will be able to learn by this, and in doing so make the Mall an even safer shopping haven for customers.”
Anybody with any information in connection with this robbery can contact insp Hildegard Mackier at 021-807-4000.
