Two robberies took place this past week where in both cases the thieves drove off with huge amounts of money from the victims.
The latest incident took place on Friday, November 17 at 13:30. A 43-year-old man withdrew R200 000 at a bank. He drove back to his workplace situated in Klipfontein and on arrival he saw a white Mercedes Benz with five occupants inside. The man was approached and threatened with a firearm by three males.
The thieves allegedly demanded the man give them the money he just withdrew. What was even more surprising is that the thieves knew it was inside a yellow bag.
They took the money which was underneath the driver’s seat, switched off the vehicle and took the car keys. The thieves went back to their Mercedes and drove away.
Witbank Police spokesperson Capt Eddie Hall mentioned that with operation festive season in progress, criminal elements will increase. The following crime prevention hints can prevent cash robberies this festive season. Capt Hall provided tips to avoid being a victim of cash robberies for businesses. Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you; Avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book;
It is advisable to identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognisable or detected; Refrain from giving wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public but rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank; Refrain from driving to the bank in your company branded vehicle on a typical ‘pay day’; Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.
Another incident similar to the first one happened on Thursday, November 16 at 13:15. A 56-year-old man went to the bank to withdraw R50 000. After leaving the bank he went to a building store and after that he drove straight home to Reyno Ridge. The man arrived home and opened the gate with a remote and parked his car. He got out of the car and as he was approaching the door, he saw two males who threatened him with a firearm.
They instructed him to hand over the money. Fearing for his life, he took all money he withdrew and gave it to them. The robbers fled the scene with a vehicle that is silver in colour. The victim of the robbery said he would be able to identify the thieves should he see them again.
Capt Hall advised the pubic to avoid being victims of cash robberies by applying the following: carry as little cash as possible; Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options); Consider making use of cell phone banking or internet transfers or ATMs to do your banking.
“With the festive season approaching, you must be cautious at all times,” concluded Capt Hall.
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