Police ‘coverage’ does not extend to MTN

The Newcastle Mall branch of MTN was burgled on the morning of November 17.

According to reports, the thieves entered through the stockroom ceiling, interfered with the surveillance and alarm systems, before making off with the stolen goods.

“The front of the store was untouched. I only realised the store had been robbed when I noticed the empty boxes in the storeroom. I immediately called my colleague who then contacted security and the police at around 9am,” said Lamar Singh, the staff member who first noticed the break-in.

SAPS only responded to the call at around 1pm.

“We had officers who came into the store saying they wished to take out a contract. When told about the incident they said they could not help us because they were from Ingogo,” related another member of staff. “We also saw about eight policemen in uniform walking around the mall.”

“We were told by the police that no one could respond because of a disturbance at the taxi rank, and afterwards they said there was a shortage of vehicles,” said Lizelle van Tonder, the staff member who first contacted the police. “Mall management was very helpful while we waited for the police.”

“They broke into the store three times during the course of the night. According to the surveillance cameras, two men wearing hoodies and masks first entered the shop at 10pm and moved the cameras. At around 11.30pm they returned and covered the alarm sensors with paper. They returned at 1am and removed the stock from the store,” said Bennie Vorster, Dealer Principal of the branch.

Mr Vorster stated that another branch in Dundee had also been robbed the same night. “I haven’t even been there yet; I’m still trying to get the Newcastle branch sorted out. We are waiting for the forensic unit to dust for fingerprints before we can know the value of what was stolen.”

Investigations into the incident are underway.

Newcastle SAPS was contacted for comment, but no officials were available to give a statement.