The man was standing outside the business in Outeniqua Street when he noticed two suspicious-looking vehicles.
He had seen the cars, a white Opel Astra and a red Toyota Tazz, earlier during the day.
When the vehicles pulled into the parking area, he called Springs police.
While making the call, the man saw nine armed men approaching the business.
Three of the men stayed outside the premises, while the other six entered.
Springs police spokesman Capt Johannes Ramphora says sector police in the area responded to the call, and the would-be robbers fled when they saw the SAPS vehicle.
Following a search of the area, one of the men was arrested on the scene, and four others in Losberg Street.
Police seized three firearms – a 9mm pistol and two .38 pistols.
Ramphora says the serial numbers were filed off .
The SAPS helicopter was also dispatched to assist in the search for the men.
