Vigilant domestic workers prevented a house robbery on Van Buuren Road in Bedfordview on Tuesday.
The Bedfordview SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said five armed men tried to force the gardener to open the gate into his employer’s property, but he told the suspects he did not have a remote control for the gate.
He added that when the domestic worker noticed what was happening, at the gate she called the police.
The gardener, Alex, said he was taking out the refuse bags when he noticed a suspicious vehicle.
“I had just closed the gate when I saw a black Audi. It looked suspicious. I then threw the gate remote into the refuse bag and dropped it where I had to. The men exited the vehicle and they were all armed. They told me to open the gate. I told them I did not have a remote; the home owner opens the gate for me.
“They manhandled me and forced me into their car. They told me they were taking me with them and were going to kill me. I stood by my words. The suspects then said I should ask the owner to open the gate for me through the intercom,” said Alex.
According to Alex, one of the suspects accompanied him to the intercom.
“I asked my colleague to open the gate for me. She noticed that there was a car and unknown men with me. She said she would press the panic button first before opening the gate. When the men heard that, they sped away,” said Alex.
Sgt Nhlabathi commended the employees.
“We always asked residents to keep their gates closed. If the gate was not closed, we all know what would have happened. I wish all residents and workers would keep the gates closed, even if they have to walk in and out as they are working. If the gate is closed, it may give people time to think when they are attacked,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
He added that details about the car the men were using will be released soon.
