Ballito restaurant targeted by armed robbers

Armed men robbed a popular Ballito restaurant last night, making off with cash, computers, a TV and cellphone – and even helping themselves to some alcohol.

Jasbir Singh, the owner of Sawagat restaurant in Sandra Road told The Courier that shortly after 10pm on Tuesday night he was pounced on by three men.

“I had locked up the restaurant and was leaving by the back door,” said Singh, “when I opened the door there were three men waiting to ambush me.”

One of the men put a pistol to the side of Singh’s head – forcing him back into the building.

Singh had a considerable ammount of cash on him that he intended to use to pay his employees’ salaries the next day. The thieves took this money and his cellphone off him.

“The man with the gun then told me to go into the bathroom and stood guard while the other two were busy helping themselves to two computers and a television set.”

For about 20 minutes the three men ransacked the restaurant.

Singh said there were security guards for the centre but they apparently did not realise the robbery taking place.

After the robbers had gotten their hands on two computers, a TV set and as much of the restaurant’s wine and whiskey as they could, they left by the backdoor.

“The man with the gun told me: ‘if you come out of the bathroom, I’ll shoot you,’ ” said Singh.

About 15 minutes after his attackers had left Singh felt it was safe to leave and called the police, who he says arrived quickly and were professional and helpful.

“I’ve been living in Ballito for four years now and this is the first time that anything like this has happened to me.”

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