Ashlea Gardens domestic worker tied up during robbery
“Two unknown men told her they were electricians and need to inspect the house.”
Brooklyn police are investigating a case of house robbery in which a domestic worker was held up at gunpoint in Ashlea Gardens on Wednesday morning.
The domestic worker opened the gate responding to the bell at around 10:00, according to SAPS spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
“Two unknown men entered the yard and told her they are electricians and need to inspect the house.
“She accompanied them inside where they took out a firearm and instructed her not to scream before tying her up and ransacking the house.
“The suspects fled with several stolen items before the woman managed to free herself and notified the neighbours, who immediately contacted the police.”
Weilbach cautioned domestic workers to be vigilant.
“Crime affects everybody and even domestic workers and gardeners at their workplaces can fall victim to criminals,” said Weilbach.
She offered the below safety tips for domestic workers and gardeners:
– Do not hesitate to contact the 10111 emergency number when suspicious vehicles or people are spotted in the street or at a neighbour’s house. The police will check it out and your call can may help prevent a crime or result in an arrest.
– Give the police as much information as possible such as the colour and make of the vehicle, the registration number and how many people are inside the vehicle. Also, make sure that you know your work address.
– Get to know neighbouring domestic workers and, where possible, walk from and to public transport together. It is also a good idea to exchange cellphone numbers to be able to warn each other of suspicious people or vehicles.
– Do not open the gate to take out the garbage bin unless it is safe to do so.
– Keep the doors and security gates locked and unbarred windows closed.
– If you have a panic button, always keep it on your person even while outside hanging washing or opening the front gate.
– Never let anyone onto the property unless your employer has instructed you to do so. This includes utility providers, electricians, meter readers and Telkom representatives.
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/156315/east-employers-return-holiday-find-murdered-domestic-worker/
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
