Reward offered for stolen construction machine

This after a security guard was tied up with his shoelaces before three armed robbers stole the three-and-a-half-ton construction machine on Thursday, September 10, Alberton Record reported.

The machine, a Bobcat S150 with serial number AC3070035 was stolen at about 3am on the corner of Swartkoppies Road and Jacqueline Street in Alberton.

25-year-old security guard Akimu Banda said three armed men accosted him. They told his not to move and talk or they would kill him.

While he was tied up, the robbers loaded the machine on to a trailer and fled the scene in what is believed to be a silver bakkie.

Co-owner of the business, Floor Maintenance Equipment Services, Dean van Vuuren said the machine, estimated to be worth R150 000, was hired out for roadworks by a privately owned company.

He added all the machines were parked at the open space on Swartkoppies Road. The machine and the Bobcat were not insured.

A case of theft has been opened with the Alberton Police Station.

Anyone who has information that can lead to the return of the machine is urged to contact Van Vuuren on 082 778 0291.

In a separate incident, a 23-year-old suspect was arrested by the East London K9 Unit after an alleged robbery at a construction site in April.

Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Marais said it was alleged about five to seven suspects forcibly entered the SL Contractors construction site.

“It was further alleged that the two guards were tied up and that the unknown men stole some construction machinery and tools,” said Marais.

“Police got the call from members of the community that something was not right at the site. The K9 Unit responded and heard the alleged unfolding of events. It was then that police utilised the patrol dogs and following a spoor recovered equipment to the value of R120 000 of the R150 000 worth of goods stolen,” Marais added.

– Caxton News Service