A 41-year-old Benoni woman urges community members to remain vigilant this festive season after she was followed home and robbed shortly after withdrawing money from a bank at the Northmead Square.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said her ordeal began just after 14:00 when her husband picked her up from their home to withdraw money. She collected R70 000 at the bank before returning to the vehicle.

Before heading home, the couple made a brief stop at a shopping centre to buy a smoothie, spending no more than 10 minutes there.

“My husband dropped me off at the gate and I proceeded to my apartment,” she said.

According to her, construction workers were at the complex that day, doing maintenance. As she approached her door, a man she believed to be part of the construction team began speaking to her.

The man, described as chubby, in his mid-40s and wearing an orange mask, bucket hat and navy-blue construction jacket, then allegedly pulled out a firearm and grabbed her bag.

“Fortunately, the bag contained only R30 000. The remaining amount was with my husband because he took it when he dropped me off,” she explained.

Realising she had been robbed, she screamed for help. Neighbours, security personnel, paramedics and the police soon arrived. The stolen bag also contained personal items, including her passport, driver’s licence and bank cards.

“CCTV footage later revealed that the criminal had not acted alone. Accomplices were waiting outside, and the group used a white Mercedes-Benz. The footage shows them taking advantage of the open gate, left accessible due to the construction work, to enter the property. It also shows the security guard fleeing,” she said.

The woman said she had sought counselling after the traumatic incident, which had left her struggling to sleep. She now panics whenever she sees a white Mercedes.

“I always watch those robbery videos where people get robbed, but I never thought it would happen to me,” she said.
She pleads with residents to be vigilant when visiting banks, especially during the busy festive period.

“Take note of everything. Most of the time, while we are sitting inside the bank waiting to be helped, we are on our phones. But after what happened, I realised the importance of observing everything,” she said.

The Benoni Police Station is investigating a case of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Benoni SAPS spokesperson Captain Nomsa Sekele has shared safety tips for community members when visiting banks during the festive season.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi. Criminals may be listening while you are talking or distracted on your phone, which could result in your hard-earned money being stolen;
• Use secure ATMs, preferably inside shopping centres or bank branches;
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings;
• Be vigilant of people or vehicles that may be following you from the bank.

Also Read: Man robbed of R25 000 after bank following in Northmead

Also Read: Another man robbed after Benoni bank following