Eight armed men were arrested after a robbery at the Westonaria Shopping Centre on Sunday afternoon, Gauteng police said.

The men went into the Jet shop in the centre at 12.30pm and stole several cellphones before making their getaway in a white minibus, said Senior Superintendent Noxolo Kweza.

"The store manager immediately called the police and gave description of the car. Police traced it and gave chase during which a shoot-out ensued," said Kweza.

The group ran into different houses in the area when they realised that they were outnumbered. All eight men were eventually arrested.

Kweza said police recovered five unlicensed firearms and the getaway car. - Sapa