TWO women were robbed of their belongings by three suspects at gunpoint at the Japanese Gardens on Tuesday. The robbery comes three months after management had beefed up security at the gardens following a spate of robberies. Since March last year, there has been 19 incidents. The majority of the robberies were committed near the bottom of the park, near Waterkant Road.

Capt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North SAPS, said the incident occurred at about 3.30pm.

“The women were relaxing at the gardens when they were approached by three men. One of them, was armed with a gun. He pointed the firearm at them while his accomplices took the women’s cell phones and other valuables. They were then ordered to lie face down behind the bushes and to remain silent. We believe the suspects fled on foot and are currently at large,” he said.

Deokaran added police believed the suspects involved in Tuesday’s armed robbery were the same men arrested two years ago. They were later released on bail.

In 2013, the gardens were due to be renamed to promote social cohesion.