Plasma gang strikes again

A couple residing on 12th Avenue was robbed of their plasma TV in the early hours of 1 September by suspected robbers that are now being commonly referred to in Alexandra as the “Plasma Gang”.

The gang is said to rob people of their plasma TVs in order to access a powder or gas said to be contained in the TV which they then use in the manufacture of drugs. Although no confirmation of the existence of this gang has been forthcoming from the police, the gang is said to be marauding the township and freely kill those standing between them and the TVs, which are later dismantled for the drug or gas.

Thabo Tshwaedi, who lives with his girlfriend and daughter in the Ladies flats in the corner of 12th Avenue and Alfred Nzo Street, said he believed he has been the latest victim of this gang. “I cannot outrightly say I was robbed by the so-called ‘Plasma Gang’ but because people are talking about this gang, I have every reason to suspect they could be the same people that robbed me,” he said.

Tshwaedi said he had gone out for a drink with friends and come home late at night. “When I woke up in the morning, the TV was gone,” Tshwaedi said.

He said the gang managed to break the security door lock and door handle to make their way into the flat. “I was fast asleep and a bit intoxicated so I didn’t hear anything,” he said. His girlfriend and daughter were away in KwaZulu-Natal at the time of the robbery.

Tshwaedi has opened a case of theft at the Alexandra Police Station. He said the police came to his flat to have a look around and said that a forensic specialist would come to collect finger prints but no one has come yet.

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela said that they were still investigating the case. “No suspects have been arrested as yet. We are also trying to find out why fingerprints have not been taken yet,” said Maphakela.