ALBERTON — A security guard was tied-up with his shoelaces before three armed robbers stole a construction machine weighing three-and-a-half-ton.
The machine, a Bobcat S150 with serial number AC3070035 was stolen at about 03:00 on the corner of Swartkoppies Road and Jacqueline Street in Alberton on Thursday, 10 September.
Akimu Banda (25), the security guard, said three men with guns surprised him. “They told me don’t move and don’t talk or we are going to kill you.”
He was tied-up before the robbers loaded the machine onto a trailer and fled the scene in what is believed to be a silver bakkie.
Dean van Vuuren, co-owner of the Benoni-based family business, Floor Maintenance Equipment Services, said the machine estimated to be worth R150 000, was hired out for roadworks by a privately owned company close to Swartkoppies Road.
“All the machines are parked at the open space on Swartkoppies Road.” Dean said he is upset about the theft of the machine and that the Bobcat was not insured.
A case of theft has been opened with the Alberton Police Station.
* An award is offered to anyone who has information that can lead to the return of the machine. Van Vuuren can be contacted on 082 778 0291 and said all tip-offs will be dealt with anonymously.
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