With SA officially in level three, Edenvale SAPS raised concerns over the number of robberies that occurred since the change in regulations.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said on June 1 and 2 two separate robberies occurred.
On June 1, two suspects robbed a restaurant after pretending to be customers wanting to order food.
“The men who were both armed demanded money from the cashier and the cellphones and bank cards of other staff.”
Mashile said the two men fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed of money and the valuables of the staff.
A day later, a 59-year-old male victim was robbed of his possessions when he parked his car on Van Riebeeck Avenue.
“After the victim parked his car, the suspects blocked him in with a silver BMW. Once the victim exited his car, two suspects got out of the BMW and pointed firearms at him, demanding money and valuables.”
Mashile said the victim started punching the two suspects but was shot in his leg after doing so.
“Once the victim was shot, the suspects took R700 and the victim’s cellphone before fleeing the scene in the BMW, which was driven by a third suspect.”
He said police do have the necessary information regarding the suspects’ vehicle and will be investigating a case of attempted murder as well.
Although no arrests have been made in connection to the robberies, 14 suspects were arrested in Edenvale between May 27 and June 3.
Mashile explained that seven of those arrested were detained during a joint operation held on May 30 and 31.
Those arrested during the operation were arrested for transporting liquor under level four regulations and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Mashile said the remaining seven were arrested on charges including sexual harassment, crimen injuria, causing malicious damage to property and for the possession of suspected stolen goods.
When the NEWS spoke to Mashile on June 3, two days after liquor stores re-opened, he said not many cases related to alcohol had been reported to the station as of yet.
“As we progress with level three, the station is concerned that the number of driving under the influence of alcohol cases will increase.”
He reminded community members that there is a zero-tolerance when it comes to driving under the influence.
“If community members buy alcohol, they must consume it responsibly at home as per the regulations. If there is an emergency and you are under the influence of alcohol, ask a friend or family member to drive you.”
Mashile urged community members to abide by the law and lockdown regulations.
He encouraged community members to report crime to 10111, 086 001 0111 or 011 553 8600 (Edenvale Police Station).
