Cape Town - A popular take-aways in Athlone was hit by armed robbers, who got away with cash and the owner’s car.
On Monday just after 6pm, three suspects hit Golden Plate in Gatesville, known for their delicious late-night food.
Three men entered the shop just before the evening rush and one jumped the counter to get to the till.
Owner Ismael Hassan was attacked as he he stood serving his customers.
He was assaulted and threatened by the brazen robbers, says a witnesses.
Hassan and one of his workers were pushed into a back room at gunpoint and locked up, before the trio took a large, undisclosed amount of money from the till, as well as cigarettes.
They also demanded the keys to Hassan’s green Toyota Corolla, with registration HASSAN WP, which they took and then sped off with.
A witness says the incident happened very quickly and “was over in minutes”.
Ashley Petersen, 28, from Surrey Estate says he was on his phone outside in his car and saw the entire scene through the large windows.
He says the call from his girl saved his life.
“My girlfriend was calling, she wanted extra chips with her sandwich and because I did not answer the first time, she was moaning and I stayed in the car to speak to her. That scolding saved my life. I would have been inside if she was not such a t**f. I love you, Shariefa Allie from Surrey Estate,” says a relieved Ashley.
A traumatised Hassan said the attack happened when it was quiet and just minutes before the night shift staff were set to start.
He says business went on as usual after the robbery, and thanked his staff for insisting to keep on working even though they were traumatised.
Lieutenant-Colonel Andrè Traut confirms the robbery and says an investigation is underway.
“This office can confirm that a robbery was perpetrated at a fast food outlet in Gatesville, Athlone, last night at around 6pm. Two suspects fled with cash, cigarettes and a Toyota Corolla and are yet to be arrested,” says Traut.