It was a relatively quiet week for Mapogo A Mathamaga Security with three incidents being reported in Randfontein for the period from Monday, November 15 to Sunday, November 21.
Operations manager at Mapogo, Ben Willemse gave a breakdown of the crime incidents:
• Thursday, November 18 at 02:20 – Theft in Maugham Avenue, Randfontein CBD: Thugs removed a slab from the perimeter wall, gained access to the property and stole approximately three metres of electrical cable and fled the scene.
• Saturday, November 20 at 13:43 – Theft out of a motor vehicle on Tambotie Avenue, Culemborg Park: On arrival the response officer was informed that a thief had stolen a toolbox from a vehicle that was parked outside the premises. The suspect was arrested on the scene and handed over to the police for further investigation.
• Sunday, November 21 at 12:23 – Armed robbery on Main Road, Randfontein CBD: Mapogo officers were informed by employees that four armed men had entered the store and held them up. They were forced to lie on the floor while electrical appliances were loaded onto the company vehicle. The robbers fled the scene with the business vehicle and the employees managed to activate the store panic alarm for assistance.
“During this time of the year and heading towards the silly season, statistics have shown that armed robberies tend to increase. These robberies may also include house robberies as criminals are using the festive season to prey on vulnerable targets where they can obtain valuables, cash or firearms,” warned Willemse.
He gave the following tips about what to do during a robbery:
• Always try to remain calm; do not resist as this may aggravate the situation. Assure the robbers that you will cooperate, and do not do anything that may jeopardise your safety or the safety of any other person. Don’t make any quick or unexpected movements.
• Never attempt to argue with armed assailants as this might aggravate the situation.
If you have to move or reach into your pockets to give the robbers anything, act with caution and make slow movements. Tell the assailants what your intended actions or motive will be.
• Where possible make mental notes of the robbers’ appearance. Remember identifiable marks, tattoos, clothing, height, skin colour and language spoken among the assailants.
• The most important rule – remain calm. Don’t attempt to be the hero as your life and the lives of your colleagues, family and friends are more valuable than any possessions.
