Wonderboompoort police are on the trail of a number of men who have been attacking taxi passengers, robbing them of their goods and cash.
The number of cases in which people were robbed of their belongings and money was increasing, said police spokesperson Constable Mandlakayise Zwane.
He said three such cases had already been reported to the police.
ALSO READ: NEWSFLASH: Security, police arrest two for East liquor store robbery
The latest incident happened last Wednesday, around 14:15, on the corner of Paul Kruger and Malherbe streets, Capital Park.
“It is alleged that a 31-year-old woman boarded a taxi from town,” he said.
“In the taxi were three unknown men, of which one was the driver while the other two posed as passengers.”
Zwane said according to the woman, she was threatened with a firearm and a knife.
“She was ordered to keep quiet and co-operate,” he said.
“A cellphone, money and other belongings were taken before she was dropped off at a remote area.”
In another incident earlier this month, a woman boarded a taxi to Hammanskraal in Paul Kruger Street, Mayville.
ALSO READ: West man arrested for ‘toy gun’ robbery
“Inside the taxi were three men,” he said.
“Again, one was the driver while the other two posed as passengers.”
He said immediately after the woman boarded, she was also threatened with a knife and ordered to co-operate.
“Her belongings were taken and she was then taken to an ATM and forced to give out her PIN,” he said.
“She was later dropped off in a remote spot.”
Zwane said all the victims were left unharmed, but said they were “badly shaken and traumatised”.
“The victims described the suspects as men between 30 to 42, driving a white Toyota Quantum minibus,” he said.
ALSO READ: Atteridgeville man allegedly pushes woman off bridge in robbery attempt
Wonderboompoort police appealed to residents to refrain from boarding a taxi with only three men inside.
He said the police were experiencing a rise in these robberies and urged residents, especially those using public transport, to be safe.
“We have a serious problem on our hands,” he said.
He also urged residents with more information which could help them track the robbers down to contact the police immediately.
“If residents work with the police, I believe we will be able to track these men down,” he said.
Wonderboompoort police station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Matume Mabale said the community’s assistance was needed in the fight against crime.
ALSO READ: NEWSFLASH: Security, police arrest two for East liquor store robbery
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
