A recent house robbery in Morninghill has left residents in shock.
Some residents claim they now live in fear of their lives.
According to the Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, when the victim arrived home at about 11.30am, he found a grey Audi Q5 parked next to his gate.
“The victim tried to open his gate but realised the gate was jammed. By this time the suspicious Audi had pulled up behind him. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded his car keys and jewellery. The suspects forced the man inside his house and tied him up, while they ransacked the house,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
One of the suspects, who had an AK47 rifle and a 9mm pistol, also demanded the victim’s father’s firearm and money.
Sgt Nhlabathi urged residents to always be on the lookout.
“At the time of the robbery, there were people working on the property. We urge residents to make sure they take the necessary precautions and keep their gates locked,” he said.
Sgt Nhlabathi added that most robberies take place when the municipality is due to collect waste. “This is another one of criminals’ modus operandi. They target properties on days when the wheelie bins are outside, as they know people tend to relax their security systems. We urge residents to keep their gates locked at all times. Also, tell your domestic workers and gardeners to do the same. Unlock the gates when you take the bin out, go back in and lock the gate behind you,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
The robbery victim has called on Bedfordview residents to get together and appoint a task team that will help fight crime, as well as rid the area of criminals.
“It is time the security companies come forward and told us what they can offer. We need one security company based in Bedfordview covering the whole of Bedfordview. We need cameras, constant patrols, vehicles monitoring the main checkpoints and proper booms that can stop a car from entering or leaving. Only then can we have safe protection,” he said.
The ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys, suggested that residents organise a public meeting to discuss how the fight against crime can be intensified going forward.
“I believe securing defined areas is more practical. But the community needs to act together. Get quotes for dedicated vehicles with armed officers monitored by the community. As soon as the residents abandon involvement, it is less effective. The security companies have to know you are aware of exactly what they are doing,” said Clr Humphreys.
Items taken during the robbery included a car, jewellery, a bicycle, cellular phones and wallets. According to Sgt Nhlabathi, the items are valued at approximately R200 000.
At the time of going to press no arrests had been made. Sgt Nhlabathi said investigations were still underway.
