A gang of robbers masquerading as taxi operators and commuters in Boksburg robbed a worker of his money, essential service work permit and other personal belongings, on May 3.
According to a Boksburg police report, the victim, who was on his way to work in Boksburg East, unknowingly got into a white Toyota Quantum operated by a gang of robbers, on the corner of Van Dyk Road and Commissioner Street.
In the minibus taxi were three African men and a woman, who he thought were also a passengers.
The imposters pointed a firearm at him, tied him up with a cable and forced him to lie on the floor of the minibus taxi. The thugs then demanded his cellphone banking pin before driving to an ATM to withdraw R4 200 from his account.
His work documents and cellphone were also taken by the robbers, who later dropped him in a secluded field near Makro in Brakpan.
No arrests have been made and police are investigating.
This incident comes after a series of similar cases were reported in the city recently.
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Breakthrough
In 2018, members of the EMPD and Boksburg SAPS made a breakthrough when they arrested a gang of 10 men believed to be involved in the series of robberies involving a white Toyota Quantum in Boksburg and other parts of Ekurhuleni.
The gang’s Toyota Quantum was seized. Tablets, cellphones and bank cards, reportedly stolen during the series of robberies, were allegedly found in the suspects’ possession.
Warning issued
Following the previous incidents, police issued a warning saying commuters should avoid taxis without taxi association stickers on it.
This has, however, proven to not be enough to help commuters identify the good and the bad taxis on the road because the confiscated Toyota Quantum had Benoni Taxi Association/Transport Operators Pace Initiators Conglomerated Associations (Topica) and National Taxi Alliance stickers on it.
Police are urging those who had fallen victims to such robberies or have information to contact the Boksburg police on 011 841 6858.
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