Cellphone stores in and around Alberton targeted

ALBERTON – The most recent store that has been robbed was the Vodacom store in the Lemon Tree shopping centre in New Redruth.

The store was robbed on August 15. According to reports there were two men involved in the robbery. It is also possible that a third and fourth male suspects were involved in the robbery.

Two suspects presented themselves as customers and asked to purchase chargers. They then held the store assistant at gun point, moved him to a room at the back of the store and tied him with cable ties.

One of the male suspects stayed with the store assistant, while the second loaded the stolen goods. The possible third suspect was standing at the door keeping a look-out. There is also an alleged fourth person, who was in the parking lot keeping the car running for a quick getaway.

According to other store owners, they did not think anything suspicious about the four male suspects as they were very well dressed and did not look or act any different than any customer.

The reports that Muchachos was recently robbed have been denied, as nothing has been reported to the authorities.

An iStore in the Glen was also robbed on August 14, at 18:30.

“Seven armed perpetrators, posing as customers, entered the shopping center through entrance nine at around 18:30 and proceeded to the iStore. Staff were held at gunpoint while the perpetrators loaded a shopping trolley and bags with a range of Apple products, escaping in two separate vehicles.

“Shopping centre security swiftly responded to a panic alert and upon exit, Mr Joao Mingito, a Fidelity security guard manning the relevant exit, attempted to deploy spikes at the boom, when the perpetrators opened fire, wounding Mr Mingito in the leg. He was transferred to the union Hospital and has subsequently been released.

Both centres and their relevant management are working with the SAPS.