A resident had to helplessly look on while three men, one armed, walked away with his valuables after confronting him at the entrance of Woodlands Estate in Polokwane on Saturday.

Video footage supplied to the Polokwane Observer shows a resident stopping at the entrance gate at 10:34 when he is approached by three men.

Two of the suspects walk up to the vehicle, while another approaches the passenger side. They lean in through the driver’s window and take several items from the car.

One suspect later opens the boot and removes a bag before the trio walks back to a getaway vehicle.

A second motorist who stops at the estate gate, drives off once he realises what is happening.

The robbers’ vehicle was also captured on camera.

Security, who are stationed at the entrance to the estate, are not seen in the video.

The management of Woodlands Estate and Apcan Security Services declined to comment pending an ongoing investigation.

Acpan management did however say they are investigating how the CCTV footage was leaked.

Robbery at residential premises have increased in Polokwane according to the latest crime stats released by the South African Police Service for the three-month period April to June.

Cases increased by 133.3% compared to the same period in 2021. Common robberies increased by 18.2%, while burglaries at residential premises increased by 26.2%.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba did not respond to queries before publishing.