VIDEO: Criminals target Red Street, Mandeni

Mandeni’s Red Street has had a busy week in terms of criminal activity.

Just after 1pm on Tuesday afternoon there was an armed robbery at Isithebe Halaal where seven men entered the cafe, one of them holding a gun.

According to Steve Fox from Mandeni’s Business Against Crime (BAC), the staff were tied up and threatened with knives.

“Cash, a cellphone and a purse were taken,” said Fox.

“The men also tried to steal a car that was outside but failed – apparently it’s one of those vehicles that only the owner can start.”

The owner of Isithebe Halaal, Heidie Prumal told The Courier that she is still traumatised after the event.

“I haven’t been back again for the last two days – I’m just too scared,” said Prumal.

According to Prumal about half an hour before the robbery two smartly dressed men entered the shop and asked for something to drink.

“Later, the rest of the gang showed up. One of the men walked in with a gun and pointed it right at my head.”

“Obviously, the first two men were scouting out the place for their friends.”

Prumal and her staff were tied up for about an hour before they managed to get loose and alert the authorities.

“I want to thank the police as well as Ben Britz from Pneumatic Aid, who helped me after this ordeal,” Prumal said.

In another incident shortly after 5pm on Wednesday afternoon a car parked just off Red Street was broken into.

Fox said that the car’s window was smashed with a spark plug.

“The employees had left the workshop and within minutes the car was broken into – that’s how quick this guy was.”

The thief was frightened off when the car alarm went off.

WATCH: Car window smashed in Mandeni

It didn’t end there though as criminals apparently attempted to break into the BAC’s own offices in the street at some point between Tuesday and Thursday.

“The burglars managed to kick in the door to the BAC’s offices but couldn’t go any further because of our security gate,” Fox said.

“This has always been a relatively quiet area, so it’s quite unusual to have so much criminal activity in one week.”

Fox advised that business owners make sure that their alarms are armed and working and to be wary of visitors to the premises.

He further advised people not to leave valuables in their cars and to remove the face of the cd player if they are going to leave their car parked for a while.

“Also, park in a visible area – cars that are parked in alleys or little side roads are tempting targets.”

“Criminals look into your windows – and if there’s nothing of value that they can see then they will likely move on.”

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