POLOKWANE – Residents in the city have been warned to not withdraw large amounts of cash and if they do, to be extra cautious, following two separate robbery incidents in Polokwane.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said two victims were robbed of large amounts of money on Friday by a group of armed suspects believed to be behind robberies in the city using the same modus operandi.

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Ledwaba said the suspects were driving in a dark grey VW Polo at the time of both incidents.

In the first incident, a male victim withdrew a substantial amount of money from an ATM in Bendor Park and thereafter drove to a barber shop in the CBD.

“It was there that he was accosted by the suspects who demanded the money at gunpoint. The suspects then stole the money, a laptop, and personal documents from the victim’s vehicle before they fled the scene,” he said.

Shortly after the incident, police received a similar complaint where another male victim was followed from the same ATM, possibly by the same suspects, after withdrawing a substantial amount of cash.

“The suspects blocked the victim’s vehicle and robbed him of the money and two cellphones at gunpoint,” Ledwaba’s statement read.

Cases of armed robbery have been opened.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has directed the team responsible for the investigation to intensify their efforts in tracing and apprehending the suspects.

“We will spare no effort to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. We urge the public to cooperate with the police by providing valuable information that could assist in these investigations by contacting Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501. Alternatively, call the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or go to the nearest police station or use the MySAPSApp,” Hadebe said.