Vryheid tavern robbed of cash at gunpoint
Two of the men who were waiting inside, walked up to the cashier with a 9mm pistol and demanded the money.
NEARLY R20 000 was stolen in an armed robbery at Sportsman Tavern last week.
Owner of the business, Shaun Minny, says the robbery has taught him a hard lesson to never become relaxed about security no matter how much time has passed since an incident has taken place.
“We closed the doors to the tavern at 10pm, as we do every night, and the staff started cashing up,” said Mr Minny, describing what had happened.
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“After we closed for trading, there were still some people sitting inside. We allow them to sit inside while they wait for their bus. Two of the men who were waiting inside, walked up to the cashier with a 9mm pistol and demanded the money. One of them also ripped out the wires for the camera. They seemed to know the setup and where everything was.”
He added, “We will be installing additional security measures to ensure safety on the premises. Unfortunately, we cannot appoint an armed guard as the law prohibits the carrying of firearms in an establishment where liquor is sold. We are very grateful to Pro5, the Vryheid SAPS and members of the Buurtwag. Within minutes of the robbery having taken place, the tavern looked like an episode of CSI, with forensic investigators gathering evidence. The police response was fantastic on Friday night. They were really on the ball.”
Mr Minny had this advice for other business owners, “Never relax when it comes to security. I find that, as time passes, staff stop locking certain doors because it becomes too much of a hassle, and everyone becomes less vigilant about security. Crime always happens when you don’t expect it. In order to avoid becoming a victim, you have to be observant and cautious all the time.”
