Crime spikes at Pinetown intersection
Make sure your windows are closed and doors locked when approaching the intersection of Crompton Street and Old Main Road.
PINETOWN police have warned motorists to close all windows and lock their doors when approaching the notorious crime hot spot intersection at Josiah Gumede (Old Main Road) and Crompton Street in Pinetown.
The last incident reported was an armed robbery at the same intersection on Friday 20 June at 6pm. A 20-year-old man was parked at the robot when two men armed with a gun, approached his vehicle. They demanded that he switch off his vehicle engine and hand them his cellphone, which he did. The robbers then fled on foot.
Another incident occurred on Wednesday 18 June at 5.10pm. A 21-year-old man, Brandon Voget, was in the same vicinity at a robot when he was approached by two men. One man went to the passenger door of his van, while the other man held a gun to his head.
In shock he put his hands on the hooter and screamed. The car in front of him saw what was happening and a gentleman got out of his white Toyota and started walking towards Brandon.
One of the suspects pulled Brandon’s keys out of the ignition and threw it on the road, took Brandon’s phone and ran in the opposite direction.
Brandon’s grandmother, Betty de Villiers said her grandson is very traumatised since the incident. She said a tragedy was averted by a gentleman whose details are unknown, but she would like to thank the kind gentleman who helped her grandson.
“No one else except this man helped my grandson. I guess everyone is too afraid for their own life,” said de Villiers.
According to Lt Bongumusa Manqele, communications officer at Pinetown SAPS, at this stage the police can not connect these robberies to a syndicate, even though the same modus operandi is being used.
“We believe there are several criminal groups operating from this area. This intersection from Old Main Road, Anderson Road and Crompton Street up to the taxi rank is a major crime hot spot. We urge all residents to please hide all valuables, close all windows and lock doors when approaching this intersection,” said Manqele.
He said these criminals prey on vehicles’ windows that are open, they put their hand through the window, switch of the vehicle engine and rob you.
If you are a victim of this crime, report the case to the Pinetown police on 031 325 5100.
