Nigel SAPS responded to a burglar alarm at Harris Bakery at the corner of Eeufees and Northern roads in the Nigel CBD on Wednesday.
On their arrival, they found four male foreign nationals, who live in a room in the same vicinity.
According to the men, the alarm went off around 1.30am. A man entered the room, pointing a firearm at them, and was soon joined by three others.
The men were ordered by the robbers to lie down and had their hands and legs tied with shoelaces. The robbers demanded cash after they ransacked the shop, making off with cigarettes, stock and cash valued at more than R50 000.
The police immediately responded and went on a lookout in the area.
The robbers took off and during their getaway drove straight towards the police, who had by then already blocked the road.
Upon searching the vehicle, the police recovered the cigarettes, stock and cash that was stolen during the robbery.
Five suspects were arrested and charged with business robbery.
