Armed robbers hit Oxford Store

TWO armed men fled with R26 000 after a robbery at Oxford Freshmarket in Hillcrest on Saturday.

Owner of the store, Brett Latimer, said two men entered the supermarket and went to the cigarette counter.

“They demanded money from the cashier and produced firearms. They then fled on foot and jumped into a taxi.

“This was a very unfortunate incident. The security guard tried to intervene but could not stop them as the two men were carrying guns,” he said.

Latimer said they were positive that the robbers would be arrested soon as the police are following strong leads.

“We will be upgrading security and installing more cameras in the front. I am just grateful that no one was injured during the robbery.”

Latimer added that the K9 Dog Unit really went out of its away to assist.

“The community should really support them financially as they work very hard to fight crime in the area.

“I have to say I was so disappointed with the service we got from Hillcrest SAPS as they did not chase after the robbers,” said Latimer.

The robbers were last seen on another taxi that headed towards Pinetown as the first taxi they jumped into crashed.

Hillcrest SAPS communications officer, Lt France Mkhize, confirmed the incident and denied that the police did not do their best to catch the robbers.

“Police chased after the robbers and when they arrived at the scene of the accident, near Maytime, the robbers had fled the scene in another taxi.

“We are investigating the robbery as a case of business robbery was opened,” said Mkhize.

He added that it was unclear why the first taxi crashed. Latimer said the taxi driver was not involved in the robbery.