An Alex man was remanded in custody by Alexandra Magistrates’ Court pending further investigation on a charge of business robbery. Two accomplices who are still at large.
The court heard that at about 4.20pm on 21 February, the victim had locked himself in his shop on 14th Avenue while serving customers through a window. He was allegedly approached by the accused who he knew from a previous robbery. The accused allegedly pointed a firearm at the victim and ordered him to unlock the shop.
Hearing the threat, the customers ran away and the victim opened the door letting in the accused and his accomplices. The suspects forced him to lie on the floor and stole R4 000 in cash, R2 000 worth of cigarettes and R3 000 worth of air time and ran away.
Days later, the victim allegedly saw the accused walking nearby and informed the police who arrested him. The victim also told police that the accused had once robbed him before, but he hadn’t reported the crime. He claimed to also have been robbed multiple times by other people.
The accused will reappear in court once further investigation is concluded.