The Benoni Police Station is investigating two armed business robberies that occurred yesterday (December 14).

Benoni Northerns Sports Club

The first incident was at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club.

According to Benoni SAPS spokesperson Captain Nomsa Sekele, five employees reporting for duty noticed five men loitering outside the clubhouse.

“One employee approached the on-duty security guard, who said more men were sitting in two cars parked in the parking area,” she said.

“Taking note of the suspicious persons, the employee returned to his stocktaking duties inside the facility and, as a precaution, placed the remote panic button in his pocket.”

While completing their duties before opening, the criminals accosted the employees inside the bar area, tied their hands with cable ties and demanded cash.

“While being escorted to the onsite safe, the employee activated the panic button. When private security officers arrived, the criminals waiting in the cars told the officers that nothing seemed to be amiss,” said Sekele.

“Suspecting the officers might return, the criminals fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, leaving behind one assailant, who attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. The foreign national was arrested and faces charges of armed robbery.”

One of the vehicles used in the robbery was a blue Toyota Atios.

Pretoria Road

At 19:40, two men driving a red VW Polo entered the Engen convenience store pretending to make a purchase.

“It is alleged that one criminal approached the cashier while the other made his way behind the counter,” said Sekele.

“They held the cashier at gunpoint and took cigarettes, prepaid vouchers and cash before fleeing. No arrests have been made.”

Sekele urged anyone with information about these crimes to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. Tip-offs can be made anonymously.

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