Mapogo A Mathamaga Security revealed that another four serious crime incidents were reported in Randfontein for the period from Monday, November 22 to Sunday, November 28.
Operations manager at Mapogo, Ben Willemse gave a breakdown of the crime incidents:
• Wednesday, November 24 at 12:06 – House robbery on Patrys Street, Helikon Park: On investigation it was established that an unknown number of imposters requested the domestic worker to open the house for them as they claimed that they were contacted to repair electrical plugs in the house. The domestic worker was held up and the thugs stole electrical appliances, jewellery, money and other items before fleeing the scene. The domestic worker only managed to give the alarm once they had left the premises.
• Friday, November 26 at 01:44 – ATM bombing on the N14 Randfontein Road, Brandvlei: Mapogo Response Officers responded to a panic alarm received from the petrol attendants. Upon arrival it was established that the Nedbank ATM was bombed by four thugs driving an unknown vehicle. They had fled the scene with an unknown amount of cash stolen from the ATM.
• Sunday, November 28 at 03:10 – Theft on Bussing Road, Aureus: Mapogo Response Officers responded to a panic alarm received from the premises, and on arrival the officers were informed that intruders attempted to remove tyres from a trailer. On searching the premises two trailer wheels were recovered.
• Sunday, November 28 at 20:00 – Armed robbery on Main Reef Road, Randfontein CBD: Three thugs entered the fast-food outlet and pretended to be customers. They took out firearms and demanded cash from the employees. All the cash was taken from the registers and the robbers fled the scene. No injuries were reported and no shots were fired.
Willemse gave the following tips on what to do during a robbery:
• Always try to remain calm; do not resist as this may aggravate the situation. Assure the robbers that they will have your cooperation, and take no action that may jeopardise your safety or the safety of any other person. Don’t make any quick or unexpected movements.
• Never attempt to argue with armed assailants as this might aggravate the situation.
• If you have to move or reach into your pockets to give the robbers anything, act with caution. Make slow movements and inform the assailants what your intended actions or motive will be.
• Where possible make mental notes of the robbers’ appearance, remember identifiable marks, tattoos, dress, height, skin colour and language spoken among assailants.
• The most important rule remain to stay calm. Don’t attempt to be the hero as your life and the lives of your colleagues, family and friends are more valuable than any stolen goods.
• Educate domestic workers and gardeners on tell-tale signs, and never to allow strangers onto the premises.
