POLOKWANE – A local small business owner found himself the victim of not only a robbery but an assault when burglars gained entry to his shop.
Solomon Malatje, the owner of the small business, has rented an outside room from Cindy Nel in Flora Park, for several years where he sells small scale groceries and cigarettes from the room as a means of income.
Malatje was awoken by noises and movement coming from the house.
“I went to the side of the house where my shop was located to investigate the noise where I found a broken window,” Malatje said. He said before he could alert Nel he was hit over the head from behind by an unknown assailant(s) and lost consciousness.
“I was awoken by the scuffle and upon investigation found Malatje lying on the floor with a wound to his head. I called my neighbour, who works for a security company, for assistance,” Nel said.
The off-duty armed response officer searched the house but the robbers had fled the scene after they attacked Malatje.
As the rest of the house was closed off from the store, the robbers could not gain access to the house. Nel said a case was opened with police but so far no arrests have been made.
“I believe, from personal experience, that police are overworked and understaffed, which is something criminals are aware of as well. This leads to an increase in crime and as citizens we must do our part with regard to security, such as security gates and burglar-proofing, to make ourselves less likely targets for criminals,” Nel added.
Malatje received stitches due to the injury but said the incident will not keep him from operating his business.
The robbers left some of the items behind when they fled the scene and only managed to steal some cigarettes, cool drinks and meat.
Polokwane Police Spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramoshaba, could not confirm at the time of going to print if a case was opened but advises residents to be alert and vigilant.
“Being prepared in the form of having an alarm system and being part of your local community policing forum (CPF) can make all the difference. Residents must report any suspicious activities to the police as soon as possible. Together we can stop crime,” he said.
