Numerous articles have outlined the dangers of withdrawing large amounts of money. With the festive season upon us, it is now even more dangerous.
Another victim was robbed of a large amount of money after she was followed from the bank on December 1.
She said:
“I withdrew the money from Absa Bank and went to make payments. They are putting burglar proofing on my house and I needed to pay them. They only accept cash. But as soon as I stopped, it was a matter of seconds a car stopped next to me. There were three occupants in the white Renault, but only two got out and pointed a gun at me. They took my bag with all the money inside, as well as the parcels I just bought,” the victim said.
She preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons.
“They even attacked my son. They pointed a firearm in his direction and before we knew what happened, they took my car keys. When they drove away, I wanted to follow them but then only realised that they had my car keys and I could not go anywhere.”
The victim’s son said that inside the black handbag they took, was a Ford key, as well as the Nissan key that they took. There was a brown purse inside the bag as well with an identity document, license and more. If anyone picked the bag or the purse up, or even the keys, please bring it into the WITBANK NEWS offices.
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Absa bank responded by saying:
“It saddens us to learn of such an incident, we take customer safety and security very serious as a bank; such occurrences always concern us. To this end, we can confirm that our team of security specialists, jointly with the South African Police Services, is working on the matter. We are unfortunately not in a position to share more details on this case as we may jeopardise the investigation. Furthermore, to enable our customers to bank safely, we offer a range of safety and security tips across our banking channels: website, ATMs and branches. As a member of SABRIC, we also work with other sector members to combat associated robberies.”
Two more incidents took place on the same day. Saturday, December 8 was very unlucky for two residents of eMalahleni who withdrew large amounts of money at the bank.
The first victim told the police that she went to the bank and the cashier told them to wait outside. A few minutes later the cashier called them back and told them that the money is ready. The victim told the police that she put the money in her handbag but when she arrived home in Klarinet, armed men pointed a firearm in her direction and demanded the money they withdrew. It was stated that the vehicle had no registration number.
Another incident took place on the same day. After the money was withdrawn, the victim went to a local restaurant at the River Crescent Shopping Centre. Men approached them, with firearms in their possession and opened the passenger door. They took the money that was withdrawn, along with the vehicle key.
No arrests have been made. Brigadier Sipho Mokwatlo said:
“We urge the community to not withdraw these large amounts. But if they do not have another choice they must come to the Community Service Centre at the police station. They must ask for a vehicle to escort them to the bank and where the money is taken afterwards. We can not escort them through town to do their shopping but we can assist by taking them to their house or business.”
