Vosman Police have recorded an increase in the number of armed robberies in the area
Businesses should watch out for robbers who pretend to be customers after a man and his assistant were robbed inside his shop.
As criminals continue to target local businesses in eMalahleni, house robberies have also seen a surge as police warn community members to keep the doors locked at all times, be it day or night.
The first robbery reportedly took place at Sornet Street in Klarinet, where two victims were allegedly attacked and held at gunpoint.
It is believed that the victims were working inside the workshop at around 08:30 on Sunday, February 5 before they were attacked by suspects who forcefully tied their hands at gunpoint.
Thereafter, the suspects allegedly began loading the solar battery, gas bottle, gas pump machine and tyres before loading the items onto a bakkie.
Business operators should pay attention to suspects posing as clients, as this is seemingly a new trend robbers are likely to use.
This comes after another victim was robbed by a suspect that pretended to be a customer in the Central Business District (CBD).
The victim told police that he was at his place of work with his assistant when an unknown male suspect suddenly cocked a firearm and pointed it in his direction.
It further alleged that the suspect forcefully opened the drawer and stole an undisclosed amount of money from the till as well as a cellphone before he fled the scene at around 12:55 on Monday, January 30.
Vosman Police have also seen an increase in the number of armed robberies in the area.
In the third report, it is alleged that a victim was standing outside a tuck shop in Empumelelweni when he was approached by an unknown male suspect with a firearm in his hand.
The victim alleged that the suspect instructed him to not move.
The suspect continued to fire one shot and dragged the victim inside the shop, and the second suspect joined in and demanded money from the victim.
It is believed one suspect searched him and took car keys, a carton of cigarettes, and cash.
Afterwards, the suspects reportedly fired a shot inside the shop again and fled the scene on foot.
The victim claimed he witnessed suspects being picked up by a white Volkswagen Polo with unknown registration numbers at around 07:23 on Saturday, February 11.
In the fourth case, the victim said he was asleep at his place of residence in Empumelelweni Ext 9 when he heard a loud bang of a breaking door.
It is reported on Monday, February 13 that two unknown males entered and one of them pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded money and keys to the car that was parked outside the yard.
The victim claims the suspect demanded money from him whilst threatening him with a firearm. “The other suspect searched my wallet and took R80 000 in cash, while the other one took the car keys that were on the dressing table and went outside. I heard my car driving off at high speed ‒ it is a silver Golf 6,” the suspect cried.
Two hours later, the vehicle was found abandoned about 800 metres from the crime scene.
Share your news tips via: Telephone: 013 656 2490, Email info@witbanknews.co.za Or follow us on WITBANK NEWS platforms: Instagram, Twitter Witbank News App Facebook page Witbank News Breaking
