Almost R20 000 worth of goods, inclusive of cash, was taken during a robbery incident at a funeral home in Monument.
Closed-circuit television-footage (CCTV) obtained by the News shows how three robbers unexpectedly surprises employees of Martin’s Funerals Home just after 5.30pm on Friday, 15 May.
Ramón Collins, general manager at Martin’s in Jorrissen Street said the three employees were working overtime when three men, one armed with what seems to be a 9mm firearm, gained entry through the back door.
“Our front door is always locked for safety reasons as the staff are always busy. From what I understand is that the robbers must have gained entry to the property unseen by climbing over the wall either from the back or the side.”
They firstly caught Renier du Bruyn, who has since resigned, off guard before turning to the other employees Dewald Strydom-Grundling and Natasha Seyffert.
As soon as Du Bruyn spotted the men he tried to hide his cellphone by tossing it under the table, but he was seen doing so.
“The robbers was busy inside the premises for about six minutes. They asked for jewellery, cash and laptops while they tied the employees with ties and stripped clothing.”
On the video footage it can be seen how the robbers take a walk through the office, looking for any other valuables. The armed robber at one stage even placed his firearm on a table to see if there is any money inside an envelope which was on the table.
Collins said while the incident was taking place he tried to phone the employees, but found it strange that no one answered.
“At one stage the phone was occupied, but that was when one of the employees managed to get it off the hook.”
Only after the robbers took what they wanted and fled the scene through the front gate into Voortrekker Road’s busy traffic did Strydom-Grundling managed to untie himself and the others.
“I was then notified of what had happened and immediately dispatched the Sector 4 Community Policing Forum who was there within minutes, but unfortunately the robbers could not be traced,” said Collins.
He said this incident necessitated the need to sharpen their security systems.
“I am just too thankful that the employees were not harmed and that no mourning family members who are already going through an emotional time, were there.”
A case has been opened with the Krugersdorp police.
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