WATCH: Armed men rob visitor at KZN hotel

The armed robbers fled in a red Audi. It was later discovered the Audi was hijacked the previous day.

The armed robbers entered the Splendid Inn premises and exited in a red Audi.

Armed robbers held up a visitor at the Splendid Inn (Premier Hotel) in Pinetown on Tuesday, 2 May, the Highway Mail reports.

Kirsten Smith, account manager for Eclipse Public Relations, said: “The man withdrew cash from the ABSA bank in New Germany before making his way to Splendid Inn Pinetown to collect a guest staying at the hotel. He entered the Inn’s parking lot at 11.25am, followed by another vehicle. After the man had parked his car, the passenger front door opened and armed assailants wearing balaclavas robbed him of his wallet, watch, cellphone and car keys, but left his vehicle.

“The security guard on duty witnessed the incident, ran to the car and then hurried back to close the boom gate. When he refused to allow the getaway car to leave, three of the assailants jumped out and pointed weapons at him. He then compiled by opening the gate and the attackers sped off,” said Smith.

It was revealed through a private security company who tracked the assailants’ vehicle that it had been hijacked the previous day.

“No one was injured in the incident and when the man involved was offered medical treatment, he declined. The incident is one of three that occurred in the greater Durban area yesterday,” added Smith.

Smith said Premier Hotels and Resorts places immense emphasis on security and undertakes every reasonable precaution to safeguard guests and staff alike and this includes visible guarding, routine patrolling and CCTV footage throughout the property.

Notwithstanding, they will assess current delivery and ensure every effort is made to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

Pinetown police said they were unaware of the incident while management at the hotel said to date, no police officer had come to take their statements.