Centurion residents face heightened security warnings after a string of violent crimes in recent weeks, including armed robberies and a stabbing during an attempted house robbery.
The incidents, reported between October and November, highlight some of the area’s safety concerns as the festive season approaches.
Three suspects rob runner in Raslouw
On November 8, a runner was robbed at gunpoint at the corner of Ruimte and Phederine roads in Raslouw.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the incident happened at about 11:00 when the runner noticed two men following him while jogging.
After becoming suspicious, he changed running lanes in an attempt to distance himself from them, but they continued following him.
“A third suspect subsequently approached the runner, pointed a firearm at him and instructed him to follow him, while the other two remained nearby,” said van Dyk.
The victim was taken to a nearby bushy area, where the suspects stole his cellphone, running shoes and wristwatch. They also allegedly forced him to transfer R2 000 through a cellphone wallet transaction.
Van Dyk said the suspects instructed the victim to delete his iCloud data before releasing him. No shots were fired and he was not physically injured.
Centurion jogger held at gunpoint, forced to transfer R2 000
Two armed men hold up Raslouw shopping centre store
Earlier that morning, at about 10:30, two armed men robbed Cash Crusaders staff at Raslouw Lifestyle Shopping Centre.
Van Dyk said one suspect entered carrying a backpack, while the second allegedly pressed a firearm against an employee’s waist and instructed him to accompany them to the safe.
The employee managed to escape through the kitchen door.
“After the suspects fled, employees discovered that cellphones and cash had been stolen. The men escaped in an unidentified vehicle. No shots were fired and no employees were injured,” said Van Dyk.
Suspects stab Centurion resident during alleged attempted home robbery
Another serious incident occurred on October 17, when a Centurion man in his 30s was stabbed in the shoulder during an alleged robbery attempt at his home while preparing to leave for work.
CERT SA spokesperson Ruan Heyns said emergency crews responded at about 08:00. CERT Centurion crews, assisted by neighbourhood watch first responders, stabilised the victim before Gauteng Emergency Medical Services transported him to a nearby medical facility.
Vehicle and motorcycle thefts increase in Centurion
Meanwhile, Monitor Net spokesperson JP Le Roux told Rekord that motorcycle theft was picking up again, while house robberies, house burglaries, street robberies and theft of and from motor vehicles remained concerns.
He also highlighted petty crime and warned motorists against stopping in isolated parking areas, quiet streets and poorly lit locations, particularly at night.
Wierdabrug Sector 2 Community Policing Forum chairperson Thinus Marais said house burglary and theft out of motor vehicles remained regular concerns, with the latter reported from month to month.
Seek Security spokesperson Celine Davis said the company was increasing road patrols ahead of the festive season to address crime concerns and improve security in the areas where it operates.
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