Police wants the public’s help in arresting three men wanted in connection with two street robberies in Menlyn.
In the first incident, two suspects in a red VW Polo robbed a pedestrian in Ingersol Road in Menlyn.
The robbers pointed a firearm at the pedestrian and demanded to have his backpack, which he handed over to them. Both suspects are of medium built and about 1.6m tall. One was speaking Sotho and has a golden tooth, while the other one is bald and spoke Zulu.
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In the second incident, which also occurred in Menlyn, a female student was on her way to college when an unknown man grabbed her from behind and took her bag.
He fled on foot and is about 1.85m tall with a medium built and thick short spiky hair with a goatee style beard.
“There has been an increase in street robberies in which a firearm or knife is used,” said police spokesperson Colette Weilbach.
She urged the public to be careful and offered the below advice to pedestrians:
– Trust your instincts by being aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas.
– Stay in a group when out … there is safety in numbers. Walk with others at night, including to and from your car, whenever possible.
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– Be cautious when strangers approach you to ask for the time, a cigarette lighter, or directions.
– Criminals target victims who seem unaware of their immediate surroundings, such as pedestrians talking on their cellphones or listening to music on headphones.
– Conceal valuables until you have reached your destination.
– The music you are listening to on your headphones is a distraction from what is going on around you. It prevents you from hearing certain tell-tale sounds such as running feet, or the rustle of clothing as someone approaches you quickly.
– Walk on the pavement, facing oncoming traffic. Robbers are sometimes in vehicles and stop next to their victim, rob them and then drive off.
– Limit alcohol intake because alcohol impairs judgement and robbers will see you as an easy target.
Anyone with information on these suspects can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Nakedi Kekana on 012-366-1769/35 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
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