The Parkview Police Station has warned residents in the Parkhurst and Craighall Park area about the reappearance of what they believe to be the Rolex Gang.
The Rolex Gang, which has become notorious in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, is aptly named because they often target victims who are wearing Rolex watches.
Captain Tinstwalo Sibeko, the spokesperson for the Parkview Police Station, said within the space of two days there had been three incidents which they believed the gang were behind.
“The Rolex Gang are back in the area and they are using different motor vehicles to rob the community,” she said. “Residents must be vigilant at all times and if approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.”
On 18 January, a woman driving with her son in Parkhurst reported that they had been robbed at gunpoint by two men. The woman said they were travelling between 3rd Avenue and 6th Street, and then parked her car when she noticed a vehicle had stopped behind them and the two men approached their car.
“The suspects demanded a Rolex watch,” said Sibeko. She added that they were also robbed of their jewellery, a cellphone and house keys before the men drove off in the victims’ car. “The victim reported there were three suspects and one remained in the car.”
Sibeko said on 20 January they received another complaint which involved a Rolex watch being taken. According to Sibeko, a couple in Parkview had parked their car when a man approached them with a firearm.
The suspect demanded that they hand over the watch as well as other jewellery, a handbag, their phones and R1 000 in cash. The victim added that the man then jumped into a waiting white BMW X3 and drove away.
“On the same day, another victim reported that while driving in Craighall Park at the corner of Rothesay Avenue and Jan Smuts Avenue, a white double cab blocked his car and two males got out of the vehicle and they pointed firearms at him and his wife.”
The couple was also robbed of a Rolex watch, a handbag, cellphones and a wallet.
Sibeko said residents should be cautious of anyone who was lingering near their driveway and if they did notice a stranger loitering near their property, they should rather drive past.
“When the criminals demand your valuable items do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon. Your life is more valuable than your possessions.”
Have you been a victim of the Rolex Gang? Share your story with laurap@caxton.co.za
