Money is still the biggest target for robbers. But the latest ‘trend’ is that they now apply for an ‘instant loan’ at the ATM.
You read correctly. Mr Gerhard Viljoen can testify of this after he fell victim to this crime. Not only are they targeting people who withdraw large amounts of money inside the bank, but they now target withdrawals at the ATM.
He said that on May 10 around 06:30, he went to ABSA bank in Highland Mews and wanted to withdraw money.
“Four armed men approached me, and although I did not see the gun, I just felt the cold metal against my head. They instructed me to hand over my bank card and pin number, which I did. I saw that they withdrew the money that was in my account,” Viljoen said on Monday, May 4.
He added:
“It was only after my salary was paid in at the end of this month that I saw a dent in my bank account. I enquired about it and they said that the men applied for an instant loan when they had my card and pin number. So they can apply for a loan, equal to your daily limit. On condition that you repay it as soon as your salary reflects in your account.”
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Viljoen said that he had no knowledge of the suspects doing this, as he was not notified by the bank on that day.
He said that the security guard for the bank was no where in sight on the morning of the incident.
“When the whole commotion was over, the security guard appeared and when I asked him where he was, he said he went to the bathroom,” Viljoen said.
A case was opened at the Witbank Police Station and an enquiry was sent to ABSA bank, but no response was received by time of going to print.
Articles have appeared in the WITBANK NEWS almost every week, about residents withdrawing money and then robbed of it. Capt Eddie Hall, media spokesperson for the Witbank police said in his recent response:
“People with large amounts of money are being targeted. The suspects will not hesitate to shoot, in order to obtain the money. The police are doing an urgent appeal on all residents to not withdraw such large amounts of money, rather make use of EFT payments or withdraw small amounts from an ATM. Do not under any circumstances withdraw a large amount.”
Numerous residents have fallen victim to this crime, and residents are urged to be vigilant at all times.
