Armed robberies still on the rise in eMalahleni

There has been a constant increase in armed robberies taking place in eMalahleni; this comes after three more robberies were reported at Witbank Police Station.

The first one took place on Monday evening, August 22 at Witbank Central Business District (CBD).

The victim was allegedly on his way home after being dropped off by a taxi at a local shopping centre.

It is believed that he had a tablet in his possession during the time of the robbery.

The victim was on his way when he was approached by an unknown male, who allegedly proceeded to point him with a firearm.

The suspect allegedly helped himself to the victim’s belongings and fled the scene.

The bad news is that even if you do try and take extra precautionary measures like avoiding going to a physical store or substituting your therapeutic shopping routine to the store with online shopping, you are also at high risk and may fall victim to these robberies.

This comes after an elderly male was robbed outside his home in Springbok Street, Reyno Ridge on Tuesday, August 23.

It is alleged that the victim was inside his house when he received a call from his son, who asked him to receive parcels from a courier vehicle outside their home.

Upon arrival, the victim allegedly made his way to a white bakkie with a closed canopy that was standing at the gate.

It is believed that he continued to interact with the driver who was inside the vehicle and the driver opened the back doors of his bakkie.

The victim later walked back to the gate while facing backwards when the suspect allegedly approached and pointed him with a firearm.

It is believed that he demanded the victim’s cellphone.

The police always urge citizens to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for any suspicious activity around them.

They also encourage people to avoid walking alone, especially after dark.

Unfortunately, this alone is not enough to keep offenders away because on Thursday, August 25 the third robbery took place.

The robbery is alleged to have taken place when a 35-year-old male was hitch-hiking on the N4 freeway to Nelspruit.

It is believed that a man came and stood right behind him to hike when two males came, passed them and came back once more.

When they came back, the one suspect allegedly had a firearm in his possession that was used to intimidate the victim by pointing it at him.

It is believed that the suspects helped themselves to the victim’s belongings and ran away.

According to the spokesperson for Witbank Police, Captain Eddie Hall said, “To prevent armed robberies, citizens must limit the amount of cash held on the premises and not publicize this fact. A float should be kept to a minimum and stored securely; cash registers should be positioned in such a way that the cash cannot be seen by customers.”

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