An Alrode South business owner, Coenie Groenewald, has been left with thousands of Rands worth of damages after thieves broke into his factory on April 12.
With most people being indoors as a result of lockdown, about eight to 12 male suspects broke into The Pines Mikro Industrial Park.
They reportedly broke into four other units on the night, stealing at least three vehicles from Groenewald’s milk delivery company. The vehicles all had tools stacked inside.
They also left the factory in a chaotic state.
The vehicles were fortunately recovered by a tracking company two hours after the break-in, however, with nothing found inside the vehicles.
He said the stolen vehicles were found parked on R55 road at Magagula Heights.
The vehicles were then taken to the police and were only released on April 16.
Groenewald said he was convinced that the break-in was orchestrated by a disgruntled former employee.
“They knew exactly how to get in. This is a safe place, and it’s the first time that such an incident has occured,” he said.
Losses
Thieves took a generator worth R50 000, along with working tools, appliances and an amount of R120 petty cash.
According to Groenewald, he faces a loss worth an estimation of R120 000.
To gain entry to the units, Groenewald told the RECORD that they cut the electric fence and made their way inside.
“As they jumped over the wall, they then pointed a gun at the security guard and tied him up.
“They also broke in at units number one, four, nine and 10. It’s only the units that didn’t have an alarm system. They also broke my key safe and used them to take the vehicles,” he said.
Some of these companies which were also broken into include a renting company, and other service providing businesses.
He commended Sentinel Security for attending to the matter, despite not being their client and said he would be putting strict safety measures in place.
Warrant officer Aubrey Mamadisa from Brackendowns SAPS said: “We can confirm that a case has been opened with the police and that an investigation is underway.
GALLERY:
