The pair, along with two customers, were locked in the Gecko Jewellers’ showroom, after being told not to move by their attackers who had cleaned out three of their display cabinets.
“At around 1.30pm, three males walked into the showroom,” said Furmeier. As there were already two other customers in the showroom, Furmeier needed further assistance with the customers and popped outside to call saleswoman, Moyo, to assist the men who had just entered. “Two of the men stayed by the door while the third man went into the middle of the room.
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“I approached him and asked him how I could help. He said they wanted a [replica gemstone mine] tour. I responded that there was no tour on Sunday as we close at 2pm.”
Furmeier said the man then pulled out a gun and told her that it was a hold-up. He then started assaulting her, demanding that she give him the jewellery. Unfortunately, it was too late to warn Moyo, who was already at the door.
“One of the two men at the door had a gun. They took me downstairs [to the mine] to search for other valuables,” said Moyo.
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In the meantime, five other men were busy on the grounds of the property, holding up a restaurant’s customers. The restaurant is about seven metres from the entrance of the showroom and both buildings are about 15emetres from the entrance to the grounds where the security is. “There were about 20 people here on the day, with children. They took the restaurant customers’ cellphones, jewellery and money,” said Furmeier.
“They closed the door as they left and told us not to touch anything or move until they were gone.”
Furmeier then called the police. After police arrived and investigated, it was discovered that the men had arrived in two unidentified vehicles and held up security at the gate.
“It is clear to me that these men studied us,” said Furmeier.
“I remember them from Saturday, but they came in with two women that day,” Moyo said.
Constable Matome Tlamela, head of communications at the Midrand Police Station said, “No one has been arrested yet and we are hoping to bring the suspects to book.”
Tlamela did not disclose the progress the police were making with the case, however, Furmeier said, “Everything has been caught on CCTV footage and we are offering a handsome reward for anyone with useful information on this.” She declined to disclose the amount for the reward.
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