Police were by Thursday still searching for seven men terrorising residents of smallholdings west of Pretoria.
Ways to stop the bolt-cutter gang were discussed during a meeting of residents and police at the weekend.
About 500 people, including police and community policing forum (CPF) members, attended the meeting on Sunday, said resident Mtunzi Mabena.
He said residents were promised there would be more police vehicles patrolling the area and police and metro police would work together. The possibility of a mobile police office for the area was also discussed.
Captain Bonginkosi Msimango from the Hercules police said the men carried a rifle, pistol and a bolt cutter. When residents refused to open a door for them, they shot through the door and used the bolt cutter to gain access to the house.
“The suspects are heavily armed with a rifle, pistol and a bolt cutter. They target vulnerable people in informal settlements on the plots (smallholdings). They rob only small items such as phones and cash. They use a bolt cutter to gain access to rooms and usually fire shots if victims do not react promptly or open the door to give them what they demand.”
Msimango said the robbers watched their victims before they attack. In one attack, the men went to a smallholding where they found a man and his wife.
“They called the woman by her name, Sarah, and told her that they knew she had withdrawn money from the bank. They robbed her of R500 and hit her husband with a bolt cutter. At another smallholding, they shot two men who were sitting around a fire with other residents,” Msimango said.
“The residents dispersed and ran for cover when the men started shooting. One of the victims sustained a bullet wound to the right arm and the other was shot in the right leg. The suspects proceeded to the house and shot through the door demanding cash. They were given R300 through the door and they left the scene.”
Msimango said the men targeted several other smallholdings between 28 – 30 November, using the same method. The men are believed to have been operating in the area for a while now. Msimango said the victims had identified between three to five men.
It was believed the men were also involved in a murder that took place in the area a while ago. Residents said they feared for their lives because the men were ruthless.
“Because of these men, we are unable to sleep because we are afraid the men will come and kill us if we do not give them what they want,” said Mabena.
“Last week, a man refused to open the door for the robbers and they broke it down and entered the house. They demanded money from him and after he gave them his money, they shot him.”
The man was still in hospital.
Mabena said the meeting requested police to always be on standby and increase the number of vehicles patrolling the area.
The gang was believed to be comprising three South Africans, three Zimbabwean nationals and a seventh man.
Hercules sector 4 chairperson, Jan Nel, said: “We will have another meeting and screen at least 10 people for a criminal history and provide them with identification cards so that when someone wants to hire a casual worker, they can use those with identification, and everyone could benefit.”
Msimango warned people living in remote or isolated areas,not to keep large amounts of money with them.
“We would also like the community to assist us in catching these men,” Msimango said. No arrests have been made by Thursday.
Police appeal to the public to contact the Hercules police station at 012-377-4100 or Crime Stop 08600-10111 or SMS crimeline 32111 with any information.
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Read: Armed men harass community
