Authorities are worried about a spate of robberies in Tshwane and the broader Gauteng, reportedly involving the same three suspects using the same modus operandi each time.
“A woman would enter a business establishment and distract the receptionist,” said private investigator Mike Bollhuis.
“Two men would then enter the premises and rob them at gunpoint.”
The three robbers, using the same modus operandi, have been linked to about 15 such robberies in Gauteng.
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The latest such robbery was on 31 January at the Jakaranda animal hospital in Frates Road, during which owner Dr Freddie Malan was shot and killed.
Malan was, however, the only fatality thus far.
Bolhuis joined the team investigating Malan’s murder about two weeks ago.
“A lot of robberies have happened at veterinary clinics, but other places have also been targeted,” Bolhuis said.
No arrests have been made yet.
Bolhuis said it was important not to resist a robber.
“Only do so if you have been properly trained to protect yourself and the people around you,” he said.
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“Your life is more important than anything else.”
“The police are very concerned about these business robberies, not only in our precinct but in the Tshwane Central policing cluster as a whole,” said police spokesperson Captain Anton Breedt.
He said it was important that businesses adopt a “no-hat” policy at their premises.
“Put up signs so that people can see this,” he said.
“Criminals commonly use hats or caps to hide their identity to avoid being identified on CCTV footage.”
He said firmer access control should also be implemented at office parks.
“All visitors need to sign in with proof of identification. Also, note down all the details of the vehicle,” he said.
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Breedt said businesses should also invest in CCTV technology to help in the police’s investigation in case of a break-in.
He said alarm systems at businesses should be checked regularly.
“Never ignore any alarm,” he said.
“Warning signs at entry points to the building or business premises can inform potential criminals of security systems and deter them from entering.”
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