Armed gang strikes Jathira Filling Station in Barberton again
The police responded to the scene which was littered with spent cartridges.
A group of men robbed the Jathira Filling Station in Barberton at about 00:30 this morning .
According to Barberton police spokesperson, Capt Jabu Ndubane , the balaclava -clad suspects were armed and threatened staff while committing the robbery.
“A staff member was manning the till when she heard a knock on the window. She realised that the knock was made by one of the suspects who was banging his firearm against the window.
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“The suspects instructed her to open the safe after entering the filling station, demanding that staff hand over the safe keys,” she said.
Ndubane added that the safe keys were not available and the group proceeded to hack away at it with an iron bar.
“One suspect took the victims to the bushes next to the garage and held them hostage. The petrol attendants were locked inside a toilet.”
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She said that the gang took the employees’ cellphones.
They attached explosives to the safe, which they detonated, causing extensive damage to the inside of the kiosk. Ndubane said the gang managed to blow the safe open, but did not steal any cash. It is uncertain at this stage whether or not they were disturbed while executing the crime.
“They started shooting at vehicles passing close to the garage. The victim alleged that she saw more than 10 armed men while the staff were held up outside,” Ndubane said.
The police responded to the scene which was littered with spent cartridges. The gang had already fled the scene. No arrests were made.
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“A case of business robbery was opened and Lt Col Senzo Dawe can be contacted on 071-685-1364 for more information, ” she concluded.
