‘Let us defend our town against criminals’ station commander tells business sector
The first phase of an action plan was discussed and will be implemented
As a crime wave targeting businesses sweeps through the central business district (CBD), it’s time for the business sector to act.
This is according to Estcourt SAPS Station Commander Colonel Nkosinathi Radebe who called an urgent meeting for the business sector yesterday (July 20).
A small number of people gathered at the Estcourt Town Hall at 17:30 to address the armed robberies that have been reported at stores during the past weeks.
READ: Armed robbers target retail stores
Colonel Radebe said that the spate of armed robberies was the “biggest worry” from the police side and told the business sector that it was time to act.
He explained the modus operandi of the suspects.
“When you are about to close, they come in pretending to be customers. They approach the staff, point firearms at them and take them to the back. They close and rob the shop. Once they take what they want, they don’t run, they walk out; in different directions to vehicles that are waiting,” he said.
Within a matter of two or three minutes, the armed robbery is committed, said the colonel.
The purpose of the meeting therefore was to design a plan to counter-act the criminal elements that are creeping into Estcourt, which Colonel Radebe said, has been reported in neighbouring towns like Ladysmith.
Suggestions for safety measures were discussed and Colonel Radebe resolved that these should be implemented from today (July 21) adding that police visibility in the CBD will be stepped up.
In conclusion, Colonel Radebe said that the meeting was “the first brick in our building.”
“We can’t allow this crime in our town. Let us take our Estcourt and defend it. Let us deal with criminals,” said Colonel Radebe.
A follow-up meeting will be held next Wednesday (July 27) at 17:30 at the Estcourt Town Hall.
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