On November 19 at about 5.30am, two Chinese businessmen were travelling from Ladysmith to Durban. While on the R103 near Frere their vehicle was followed by a black Mercedes Benz with no registration plates. The four occupants of the vehicle ordered them to take the Frere Road into the Estcourt area and fired gun shots into the driver’s door.

The 41-year-old driver was struck in the leg. The vehicle was stopped and the four suspects stole cash from the vehicle before fleeing.
The Chinese nationals managed to drive back to Ladysmith where they sought medical attention at a local hospital.

A case of robbery and attempted murder is being investigated by Estcourt police. In the interest of your safety, police appeal to business people to ensure that they vary their routine all the time. Do not do banking or travel to buy stock on the same day and time every day, week or month.

Ensure that only a limited number of people you really trust know the business banking and buying movements. If at all possible limit the amount of cash that you carry with you, rather rely on “cashless” transactions such as internet banking or in-bank transfers.

Try to vary the vehicles you use as well – it makes it harder for criminals to track your vehicle movements. It is advisable to do regular security screening of all employees in order to ensure that a criminal element has not infiltrated your business. When you leave your business premises, be alert to any suspicious activity by individuals or vehicles which may be tracking your movements.