Armed policewoman hides under a table while R5 rifle stolen from cop shop

Four policewomen on duty - including one carrying a firearm - tamely handed over the key to the safe and the cells when confronted by two men thirty minutes after midnight on Thursday‚ TimesLIVE has learnt.

A source told TimesLIVE the incident occurred at Alberton's Eden Park Client Service Centre in the south of Johannesburg. Official police comment has been requested. A spokesperson said a statement would be issued later in the day.

According to the source‚ two men entered the centre and ordered the police officials to hand over the safe keys. One suspect had a knife. When the keys were handed over‚ he led three of the policewomen toward the cells. The fourth "was hiding under a table in the Client Service Centre".

The suspects stole one R-5 rifle and two empty R5 magazines from the safe. They also left with the keys to the safe and the cells‚ which was in one bunch.