South African casino raided by armed gang
31st January, 2008
A gang of at least 11 armed men have staged a major heist in a popular casino in the South African city of Port Elizabeth.
Terrified gamers fled their slot machines after a group of six robbers stormed the casino with guns blazing shortly after 1am local time on Sunday, local police have confirmed.
As the group stashed their bags with an estimated 250,000 rand (£17,000) in cash, three armed accomplices covered entrances to the complex and a further two waited in getaway cars outside.
By the time the robbers were leaving the casino gambling facility, a panic alarm had already been triggered and a further exchange of gunfire ensured outside with approaching security officials.
"The officials heard over the Boardwalk's security radio that there were armed robbers inside the casino," security official Monty Montgomery explained to local media. "The robbers fired four shots … They jumped into the getaway cars … and drove through the boom gate.""
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, with about 50 murders reported every single day.
No suspects have been arrested over the Port Elizabeth incident.
