Midrand CPF believes that a syndicate is operating in their sector targeting petrol garages.
This after a gang of about 12 heavily armed suspects stormed a petrol station in Noordwyk in the early hours of Monday morning (November 7) and made off with an amount estimated between R180 000 and R200 000.
The perpetrators were travelling in a white Volkswagen GTI and Chevrolet van, and also looted cigarette boxes.
Chairperson of Midrand Sector 3 Crime Forum Marvin Maphiri said the robbery happened around 02:30. Sector 3 services Noordwyk, Crowthorne and Blue Hills, among other suburbs.
Midrand Police Station spokesperson Constable Eliot Mabulane confirmed the incident, adding that an undisclosed amount of cash was taken “There were 10 to 12 suspects. They entered the shop and took cigarettes, money from the tills, removed the drop safe and left the scene. No shots were fired and no injuries sustained.”
Maphiri said it was clear that there was a syndicate operating in their sector that targets petrol garages. “About R200 000 is estimated to have been taken [during] this robbery. Worse, local businesses are resistant to meet our crime-fighting strategies halfway. During this season, many crimes occur which include business robberies. Business should be proactive in deploying measures and remain vigilant all the time.”
He said crime in the area affects area development as some investors tend to withdraw from investing in a crime-ridden area. On August 9, several suspects walked away with an undisclosed amount of cash after bombing two ATMs at a petrol station at the intersection of the R55 and Summit Road in Blue Hills AH. It was the third time this year that the garage was targeted by armed robbers.
Manager of the petrol station Jackson Malejane said it was not the first time they were robbed – on November 13 last year they were robbed of about R60 000. “This incident has affected business a lot because now customers don’t feel safe when they are here [at the petrol station]. There were about 12 heavily armed guys, wearing balaclavas and they took around R180 000 that was in a drop-box safe.”
Mabulane said Station Commander Brigadier Molefi David Tsotsotso has tasked police to be more visible at filling stations. The discussion took place on November 2 at a meeting with filling stations’ management.
He concluded that a forum will be formed to assist with ideas on how to curb attacks on filling stations.
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