A knife can be as intimidating and dangerous as any other weapon especially when outnumbered and isolated which is exactly the case with the recent slew of robberies that have been reported to the Witbank SAPS.
A man was walking home from work on December 2 late at night when he was apparently approached by two unknown suspects. One of them was armed with a knife and they threatened him. He was told to lay face down on the ground and the robbers took all his valuables and ran away.
Be careful of the footbridge near the Central Business District (CBD).
On December 1 a similar case was reported which matches the description of a case that occurred in November. At about 20:00 the victim crossed the bridge connecting downtown with Old Coronation at about 20:00.
He said that five men approached him as he was crossing the bridge. Sensing danger he tried to turn around and run away but one of the suspects caught up and threatened him with a knife. The suspects took his bag and all the valuables inside. Both victims declined to comment on the incidents.
Capt Eddie Hall of the Witbank SAPS commented on this new robbery hot zone saying,
“we are policing that hot spot during the day by patrolling that road and the bridge. However we request the community not to use the bridge after hours or rather move in a group of three or more. We continue to watch these hotspots but the areas are growing.”
Pedestrians should be careful especially during the festive season.
ALSO READ:
Threatened by knife wielding robbers
Men robbed of personal belongings at knife point
