Worry as north residents hit by random attacks
“Over the past five weeks, people have been robbed and shot.”
Residents in and around Honingnestkrans in the north of Pretoria are worried about a recent string of robberies in the area.
This was after around 10 robberies in March alone in which 15 victims suffered at the hands of armed criminals, according to resident Wayne Alberts.
Alberts is also in charge of a tactical reaction group in Honingnestkrans.
In Rooiwal Road, suspects entered three properties in attempts to rob them; however, the criminals were unsuccessful with two.
“The suspects went to a house of ill repute where they were not successful. They then tried the house next door, where the owner managed to chase them off. It was the third house, across the road, where they were able to break down the door and shoot a woman five times,” he said.
“She was shot once in the arm, once in her leg and three times in the torso.”
He said the victim was taken to Akasia hospital and later airlifted to Milpark Hospital.
Alberts said the month also saw a lot of business robberies.
“They robbed a couple of taverns in which two people were shot and killed in Rentia Street, while there was another robbery at a plot in Soutpan Road in which seven people were shot.
Alberts said pistols and pellet guns were used in this robbery.
“I am concerned over the policing in the area because we have only one SAPS vehicle servicing the area.
“We complained several times about this. The plot lands are too big to have only one vehicle, especially with only two police officers stationed on routine patrols.”
He said policemen were also never in the area as they took part in Operation O Kae Molao operations.
“The gang of criminals had been operating in the area for a while and they are only becoming more ruthless.
“Over the past few weeks, people have been robbed and shot. Our six security officers are spread thinly.”
He said issues such as the lack of adequate infrastructure such as street lights also contributed to the problem.
“There also needs to be better policing as these illegal taverns mushrooming all over are now targets in the area.”
Tshwane district police Captain Augustinah Selepe confirmed police were investigating multiple crimes of armed robbery and attempted murder in the area.
She said police were investigating an armed robbery and attempted murder at a plot in Rentia Street Haakdoornboom on March 25, 2022.
Selepe said the robbery happened at 23:00.
“Seven unknown men, armed with handguns and rifles, driving a silver Audi with an unknown registration number, were seen driving slowly into the squatter camp.”
She said the three suspects were dropped off at a dark spot and approached two taverns.
“The three suspects entered the shebeens and randomly started shooting.”
Selepe said people ran for cover.
Two were injured.
“In one of the shebeens, a person was shot in his right shoulder while closing a door. Another person was shot in the left thigh and his cellphone was taken. One was hit with a firearm on his head.”
She said no suspects had yet been arrested.
In a separate incident on March 26, 2022, at around 21:30 at a plot in Soutpan Road, five men went to another tavern and “started shooting at people without saying a word”.
She said the attackers injured seven people.
“The injured persons were rushed to Kalafong, Steve Biko and George Mukhari hospitals.”
She said the tavern was robbed of R5 000 cash, cigarettes and alcohol while people were robbed of their cellphones.
Selepe said anyone with information that could lead to the arrests of the suspects to contact their nearest police station, or at 08600 1011, or to contact 073 062 1018.
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