Five armed thugs robbed a Bekkersdal policeman of a cellphone and a hand radio on Tuesday 21, in Zuurbekom near Waterworks along the N12.

Sergeant Linkie Lefakane said while the officer was patrolling, he noticed one of the men entering the backyard of a nearby business.

The officer approached the unknown man to establish what he was looking for, but another one appeared and threatened the officer with a firearm,” Lefakane said.

Three others joined them and they robbed the officer of the items. The robbers locked the officer inside one of the containers on site and then tried to steal a compressor from the business premises.

“They allegedly dragged the compressor to the open veld nearby, but couldn’t carry it as it was too heavy. They fled on foot. A case of robbery is being investigated,” Lefakane added.

She urged people to inform the police if they have any information regarding the matter by contacting 011 755 8040 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

They may send anonymous information via SMS on 32211, or the my SAPS app that can be downloaded on any smartphone,” Lefakane said.