Couple robbed in Johannesburg Botanical Garden
EMMARENTIA – Two of the three men who robbed visitors at the Johannesburg Botanical Garden are still at large.
Police urge the community to help catch two robbers who allegedly fled into the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve after being chased by the police and security on 3 November.
The men managed to escape through the Johannesburg Botanical Garden fence in Emmarentia after robbing visitors in the park.
Parkview Police spokesperson Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha confirmed that one of three men (28) was arrested in connection with the incident and is expected to appear in the Hillbrow Magistrates’ Court on 5 November.
“His two friends are still at large and we are searching for them,” said Sgt Ramovha.
He said the arrested man faces charges of common robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
One of the victims shared how she was robbed by the three suspects in the park.
The young victim said, “We [the victim and her boyfriend] were at a picnic in the Botanical Garden at about 3pm when we decided to go sit on a bench near Emmarentia Dam.
“Shortly after our arrived near the dam, three men approached us. They demanded cellphones and cash.”
She said together with her boyfriend she could not scream because the men threatened to shoot them with hidden firearms.
“There were families and guards around the park but none of them were aware that we were under attack because we were instructed not to move by the men who, at the same time, pretended to be the park visitors,” said the young woman.
She said the men told them they had guns.
“They searched us and took our cellphones including car keys but they could not locate our car.”
She said after the robbery, the men proceeded to their next victims in the park.
“One of them was caught after assaulting another woman. We also managed to identify him as one of our robbers after we were called by the security,” she said.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two suspects at large, are asked to call Parkview Police on 011 486 5000 or 0860 010 111.
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