Johannesburg police arrested five suspected robbers after a shoot-out in City Deep on Monday morning when they allegedly tried to steal a container of cigarettes worth R4-million, a spokesperson said.

Captain Cheryl Engelbrecht said 10 robbers entered the Transnet container depot at around 6am and tied up four security guards.

The gang tried to speed off with a truck carrying a container of cigarettes worth R4-million and two bakkies on the premises.

"As they came out [of the premises], the police, acting on information, were waiting outside."

A shoot-out ensued and five robbers were arrested, while five others ran away.

One of the robbers is believed to have been shot and injured.

"Five suspects were arrested and the other five are still at large.

There's a lot of blood on the scene, so wherever they are, they should be injured," said Engelbrecht.

The police recovered the truck and cigarettes, four firearms and both bakkies.

The security guards were unharmed.

Sapa