A gang of robbers – at least one of whom was armed – stole six brand new vehicles worth millions of rands from the Nelson Mandela Bay municipal depot on Sunday afternoon.
Police and municipal officials were still at the cordoned-off premises hours later.
Police spokesperson Alwin Labans said the robbery happened just before 4pm.
He said three of the robbers entered the premises, while three others waited outside.
“One of the men, who had a gun, went straight for the security guard while his two accomplices grabbed two other men who were on duty,” Labans said.
“The robbers took the three employees into the office and tied them up.
“They then demanded the keys to six bakkies – five Ford Rangers and one Nissan light delivery vehicle.”
Bakkies can cost anything from R200,000 to more than R500,000 depending on the model and specifications.
Labans said the robbers had come prepared with six number plates, which they fitted onto the vehicles.
The three accomplices outside then came in and the six sped off in the vehicles.
Police said the three employees managed to untie themselves after about two hours and call for help.
Metro safety and security political head John Best, who was on the scene, referred questions to the police.