On 29 May at around 6pm, the HospiceWits Orange Grove retail shops were robbed of a large sum of cash, estimated to be well in excess of R100 000.
According to Joy Ruwodo, marketing manager for the non-profit organisation, two armed men tied up the security guard and gained possession of his panic button and keys. While one suspect restrained him, the other unlocked the gate to the parking area for more suspects to enter in their vehicles.
“The robbers then proceeded to gain access, disarming the alarm system after which they used angle-grinders to open the safe,” said Ruwodo.
She added that the large amount of cash in the safe was due to a fundraising event that was held at the shop premises on the previous Friday evening, as well as from the Saturday and Sunday trade.
Damage to the premises is extensive and includes the roof, DVR board for the surveillance cameras, drop safe and alarm system. Besides damages, a vast number of computers and other equipment were also stolen.
“The HospiceWits retail shops raise a third of the funding that is required for the provision of our patient care services,” stated Ruwodo.
“And it helps a great deal in this environment where funding is becoming harder and harder to come by.
“Any and all support will enable us to never have to turn a patient away for financial reasons. We appreciate the support from the public.”
She confirmed that a case of robbery was opened at Norwood Police Station on 30 May. However, the station’s spokesperson, Nurse Senyane, was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.
