Two armed suspects allegedly interrupted a Skype call between a mother and father in Melville, and their son in Paris, France, on 11 January. The suspects robbed the parents in their home in Melville and got away, despite the son using social media to alert authorities in South Africa to ensure a fast response.
Brixton Police Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Marius Groenewald confirmed that a case of armed robbery was opened. Lt Col Groenewald explained that the parents came home from Rosebank at about 9.30pm and began the Skype conversation. The father then went upstairs, where he ran into the first suspect, who was pointing a gun at him. “The first suspect instructed the complainant to go downstairs and to sit on the coach next to his wife,”
The second suspect then pointed the firearm at the mother. “They [the suspects] then took items and fled the scene.” Stolen items included two laptops, two cell phones, cash and foreign currency. No one was injured throughout the ordeal.
According to media reports, the couple’s son switched the video off when he saw what was happening, but apparently heard the robbery occur. He sent messages to friends and family on Facebook alerting them about the robbery. This apparently led to a quicker response by the police and a security company, although the suspects left before they arrived.
Lt Col Groenewald concluded that one should call for help during a robbery, only if it is safe to do so.
Details: Brixton Police Station, 011 248 5500.
