Armed robbers target wage pay out on Wheatlands farm – R120 000 worth of wages taken
R120 000 in wages expected to be paid to employees on a farm in Wheatlands and cellphones were forcefully taken during a robbery earlier this week.
A group of armed robbers stole R120 000 in wages expected to be paid to the employees on a farm in Wheatlands on Tuesday, January 31.
While one suspect has since been arrested, three others are still at large.
• Also read: Domestic worker tied up, multiple items stolen in Helikon Park
According to West Rand District Police spokesperson Sergeant Kgomotso Mogwere, the incident occurred at about 18:00 while wages were being paid out to employees on the farm.
“Four unknown men all armed with handguns approached the office where the payments had been done. Two men then entered the office and pointed firearms at the victims and demanded cash and a firearm from one of the victims.
R120 000 wages expected to be paid to the employees, cellphones belonging to employees including the complainant’s cellphones were forcefully taken. The suspects fired several shots and fled the scene with a white Toyota Starlet.
“The son of the complainant and one of the employees chased the suspects in their Toyota Hilux. In the process, the suspects further fired several shots towards the bakkie. No injuries were reported. The suspects’ vehicle was stopped in Wheatlands through the back up of security officers. One suspect was found in possession of his licensed 9mm pistol and 10 live rounds of 9mm ammunition. He was subsequently arrested and later handed over to the Randfontein Police. Three suspects are still at large.
“Preliminary investigations also revealed the vehicle used by the son of the victim and the employee during the chasing of the suspects had several bullet holes which occurred during the shootout. The white Toyota Starlet [used by the suspects] had a false registration number plates.”
The arrested suspect will appear in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.
• Also read: Employee robbed of cellphone, wallet
Any person with an information that can assist the police in tracing the remaining suspects can contact Randfontein Police on 011 414 4992 or use Crime stop number 08600 10111 or SMS number 32211.
West Rand Police District Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana commended the efforts displayed by both the victim’s son, the employee, and the security officers for a successful apprehension of the suspect.
Major General Kekana noted further with a concern an increasing number of house and business robberies in the West Rand District.
Police urged the community to be extra cautious and adhere to the following safety tips:
• Always be on the lookout for suspicious persons and vehicles.
• Do not keep too much money on the business premises.
• Use electronic transfer for payments.
• Be on the look out for suspicious customers.
• Do not keep the shop open till late.
• Avoid being alone, especially at night.
• Do not open for anyone after the business has closed.
• Verify the details of anyone before you employ them and check authenticity of a contractor before you allow access to the premises.
• Enhance security through fitting access doors with security gates and install burglar bars on windows.
• Do not open gates and doors for strangers.
• Request neighbours to keep an eye when you go away for an extended period.
• Alert the police with any suspicious criminal activities in your area.
