Robbers grab millions in S.Africa airport heist

JOHANNESBURG, Mar 26 (Reuters) Gunmen robbed an aircraft at the Johannesburg International Airport, police today said, and one South African daily said they made off with about 16.5 million dollars in cash.

The Sunday Times said the money taken in yesterday's heist was destined for Tanzania and another African country. The South African Airways plane had arrived from London's Heathrow airport.

Police said they did not yet know the exact amount, adding the money stolen was both in rands and dollars and that they would issue more information later today.

Two men gained access to the airport's restricted area and held up police and guards who were carrying the money from the aircraft, Superintendent Vish Naidoo said.

''We think between six and eight robbers and possibly ten were involved in the incident,'' Naidoo said, adding they were armed with automatic rifles. ''We are still investigating how they gained access to the area.'' REUTERS DKS RN1518