An armed group reportedly made off with millions of rand during a robbery at OR Tambo Airport on Tuesday.

JOHANNESBURG – A high-level investigation by the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies is underway following a robbery of alleged millions of rands at OR Tambo International Airport.

An armed group reportedly made off with millions of rand during a robbery at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday night.

It’s understood the gang made its way into the airport and stole the money from a South African Airways plane.

While officials won’t give the exact amount taken, reports say it amounts to more than R20 million.

Airports Company South Africa in a statement said there were no injuries reported and no shots fired.

The Hawks's Hangwani Mulaudzi says while the details are still sketchy at the moment an in-depth investigation is underway.

“There’s a high-level investigation that is underway, which includes ourselves the Hawks and the police and other agencies.”

Mulaudzi says the Hawks cannot confirm the amount stolen yet.

PHAHLANE TIGHTENS SECURITY

Acting National Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane has deployed a team of senior investigators to determine how a large amount of money was stolen during the heist.

Details are still sketchy and the authorities remain mum on how the money was stolen and the amount of cash which has disappeared.

Phahlane’s office says they can’t divulge any details regarding the investigation yet, as the authorities still try to gather more clarity about what transpired here last night.

Phahlane’s spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the team is working closely with the Hawks

“We’re not in a position to speak further on the matter until we’ve more facts. We can confirm that we’re working alongside the Airport Company of South Africa.”

It seems to be business as usual at the airport, with commuters and travellers streaming into the departure terminals.

The police commissioner’s office says travellers’ security remains top of his priority following the robbery here last night.

(Edited by Leeto M Khoza)