Employees as well as a customer of Freddies Gas Depot in Westonaria feared for their lives when seven armed men robbed the business last Friday, 22 February.
Sergeant Audrey Sefara, Westonaria Police spokesperson confirmed that the incident took place at about 1pm.
“It is alleged that the complainant was in the shop with his co-workers when three unknown men came into the shop. One of them allegedly requested them to refill gas cylinders. He paid, took the gas cylinders and then another man pulled out a firearm,” she said.
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The man also took out ropes and instructed the complainant to come closer and stay quiet. The third robber then took out a knife.” The complainant and his co-workers’ hands were tied and they were instructed to keep quiet,” she said.
The complainant said after they had heard a vehicle pulling up in the yard another four men started to carry out some of the gas cylinders.
When a customer came in to have her gas cylinder refilled, she was told to stay seated and wait. “Later the robbers took her bag, cash and cellphone. They also took the complainant’s cellphone and an undisclosed amount of cash from the business,” Sefara said.
After they had loaded 16 full 19kg gas cylinders, 67 full 9kg gas cylinders, 84 empty 9kg gas cylinders and seven empty 19kg gas cylinders, some of the robbers drove off in the vehicle while the others escaped on foot.
“According to a witness, the seven suspects spoke isiZulu and they used a white Iveco panel van. Any person with information that could lead to the recovery of the stolen gas cylinders and the suspects’ arrest can contact the Detectives commander on 082 463 7234 or the Westonaria Police on 011 278 5300/ 95/ 96,” Sefara added.
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