In the wake of the attack on past ANC spokesperson in the Central Business District and an incident last week when shots were fired after a Klipfontein supermarket was robbed, SAPS has made investigations into armed robberies a priority.
At 04:40 on October 29 a truck driver allegedly stopped at Middelburg Toll Plaza to use the bathroom.
When he returned to his truck, two men were allegedly waiting for him and one of them was armed. Before he could react, three more suspects appeared out of the tall grass next to the road. They apparently stole his cell phone, wallet and other valuables before escaping.
On October 30 a man who was trying to catch a lift to Balmoral was apparently abducted and robbed, before being tied up in a field.
The victim apparently withdrew a large sum of money in the CBD and at about 15:30 he was waiting on the Eddie Street off-ramp heading to Pretoria, hoping to catch a lift to Balmoral.
It was not long before the driver of a white Nissan stopped to offer the young man a lift.
When the victim got into the car, there was apparently another person sitting in the back seat who pointed a gun at him. They drove to a secluded spot on the Ogies Road, where the two suspects robbed the victim of cash that he had withdrawn before tying him up with shoe laces and leaving him in the field.
A passer-by found the man a while later and assisted him.
A similar incident occurred on November 1 when two young men were robbed in Tasbet Park. They were walking down Springbok Street at 03:00.
They were trying to get a lift in Springbok Street when a VW Polo stopped to offer them a ride. The driver had a firearm and drove the victims to Middelburg, where he took their cell phones and bank cards.
The suspect apparently tried to draw the victim’s money at an ATM but the card was declined and he made a break for it with their other possessions.
Sgt David Ratau from Witbank SAPS has commented several times on this matter. Most recently he said, “People must not accept lifts from anybody, and drivers must also never pick up hitchhikers under any circumstances.”
He added that sometimes women are used to lure drivers to stop and offer them a lift with robbers hiding nearby.
At about 20:00 on October 31 a woman was allegedly walking to the taxi rank in the CBD when two suspects cornered her and demanded her money and cell phone. One of them threatened her with a knife.
She handed over her belongings before the muggers made their escape. She was not injured. The police have also warned the public on multiple occasions never to walk around at night alone. Always walk in groups and if possible avoid the CBD altogether at night.
As the festive season approaches, the police are intensifying their operations. However they need the cooperation of the public. To report crimes contact them on 013 655 2028.
