A SPATE of armed robberies in the Empangeni area has brought cash security into the spotlight, with speculation running rife regarding the involvement of local bank employees.
The Zululand Observer is aware of at least four incidents in the last month where clients of Standard Bank in Empangeni were followed by a crew of armed men and robbed shortly after withdrawing large sums of money.
One such incident occurred at around 11am on 30 December in Ngwelezane Road, while clients of other banks have also reported similar incidents.
Zahid Hassim (38) fell victim to a group of thugs driving a light blue Audi A4 sedan, who calmly approached his vehicle, shoving a loaded gun in his face.
Hassim escaped with his life and minor injuries, but out of pocket.
At the time, he told the ZO that he had been refused permission by Standard Bank to view security camera footage of the moments before and after he conducted his transaction.
‘I have since viewed the footage,’ said Hassim on Monday.
‘To me it was clear that there were a few people inside the bank hanging around for no apparent reason.’
Reasonable doubt
Hassim, along with two other robbery victims, feels reasonable action is needed to curb the spate, before one of the robberies turns fatal.
‘If you look at mainstream media reports, this is already happening. People are shot or assaulted for a lot less.’
Speculation regarding the possible involvement of bank employees in these robberies is a natural concern while others are worried that residents have come under the baleful watch of a syndicate.
John Mnguni from eSikhaleni withdrew a large amount of money at ABSA Bank at around 1pm on 18 December.
He said he then traveled to a take-away restaurant with his son before going to another business to buy stock for his business.
‘I had no intention of withdrawing so much, but I decided to do it at the bank.’
His son was held-up by an armed man, while three others approached him, robbing him of the money.
‘No one knew I had that money, not even my son. I spoke to no one. This was an inside job.’
According to Mnguni he watched surveillance footage of the robbery outside Hassim’s business, and recognised the vehicle and the suspects.
‘I know ABSA head office is working with police to investigate the case.’
Senior Standard Bank officials assured the ZO that cases pertaining to their clients would be investigated, granted they were reported to the bank.
The officials urged people to be aware of their surroundings, and to seek alternative methods of moving money safely and issued a pamphlet on ‘Carrying cash safely’.
An Empangeni police detective, who could not be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media, said police were well aware of the incidents and were following every avenue of investigation.
