Members of the Chinese community have been warned against carrying large amounts of cash.
This comes after a Chinese national and his sister were hijacked last Monday on the Concord Road West off ramp.
According to the Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mduduzi Nhlabathi, a silver Audi overtook the victims and stopped in front of them.
“The victim said five men armed with rifles exited the Audi and pointed the guns at him. He was pulled out of the car, after which the suspects demanded money,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
He said the victim’s sister gave them a handbag.
“The suspects searched the car. They drove off with the victim’s silver BMW 550 and cash amounting to R378 570. The car, valued at R380 000, was later recovered in Linden, said W/O Nhlabathi.
He said in similar cases, victims are usually followed from China City in Fordsburg and then robbed.
W/O Nhlabathi said it is for people’s own safety that the SAPS encourages the use of banks.
“Criminals know that very few members of the Chinese community use banks and they take advantage. This also invites criminals into our area, yet police officers are working their hardest to rid our streets of criminals. We urge people to use safe methods when making big transactions,” he said.
W/O Nhlabathi said members of the public need special permission to carry cash over R50 000.
He said investigations are underway.
No arrests had been made at the time of going to press.
