Armed robbers storm Wyebank Library

THE community and the staff at Wyebank Library are fearing for their lives after armed men stormed the library on Thursday, June 8.

A witness who spoke to the Highway Mail said she knows that crime is rife in the country, but she never imagined that people could rob a library.

“This is one place where I feel safe,” she said.

According to the resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, three armed men entered the library and demanded cellphones among other things.

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“They left with lots of valuables; they stole computers, laptops, any valuables they could place their hands on,” she said.

After the incident, the library was closed and was re-opened on Monday, June 20, and a staff member said they feel very scared after this incident, and they keep their eyes on the entrance as they do not know if the criminals will return.

“We have done our jobs with ease for so many years, and it feels surreal that criminals are now targeting libraries.

The Wyebank Library is used for many community needs as the councillor’s offices are also on the premises, where the public visit often for various services, especially for getting proof-of-address letters.

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Another resident said they utilise the library for different reasons.

“I come here to study as I cannot concentrate fully at home – we can print our assignments, there is free Wi-Fi as most of the things need to be searched on the internet and we can make copies.”

The student said the closure of the library had an impact on him as it was during exam time.

There was also report that a few libraries have been targeted by criminals in the last few weeks.

Captain Bongumusa Manqele, Pinetown Cluster communications officer, confirmed the incident.

“The incident happened on Thursday, June 8, and a case of business robbery was opened. Police are currently investigating, and no one has been arrested as yet,” said Manqele.

eThekwini Municipality’s head of communications Lindiwe Khuzwayo said the City can confirm the incident.

“With the recent incidents of armed robberies in libraries, the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit has engaged the Security Management Unit and Metro Police for their intervention, and also, cases have been opened with various SAPS stations. We are in constant liaison with these departments to seek solutions.”

In the interim, Khuzwayo said they have ensured that each library has a security guard with panic buttons, including the staff who also have panic buttons for emergency situations.

“We are continuously upgrading security measures in libraries, such as the installation of CCTV cameras, upgrading alarms and the installation of man-size turnstile security gates.”

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