As crimes of all kinds continue unabated, criminals are stooping to new lows as they prey on increasingly softer targets.
Shortly after 1.30pm on Tuesday afternoon, 17 November, two men approached the gate of Playschool Academy on Ontdekkers Road claiming to want to enrol their children in the school. The presentable men went through the standard Covid-19 entrance procedures and were fully sanitized at the gate before being escorted to the office.
While senior staff were preparing the application forms, the objective of their ruse was revealed. “This is not an enrolment, this is a robbery,” said one of the armed men, as recounted by owner and victim, Ivon Muller. Teachers were then gathered from their classes, asked for their valuables and locked in the staff room while the men made their escape.
Florida Police spokesperson, Sergeant Mpho More confirmed, “One of the men pointed a firearm at the victims and they left in a silver Toyota Yaris with an Acer laptop, iPhone and a Yoco payment machine”. Fortunately, the children were asleep and the incident is said to have occurred without their knowledge.
All staff escaped the ordeal unharmed but some have and will continue to received trauma counselling. Additionally, stricter measures will be taken by the school when allowing visitors onto the premises. “It is sad because we want to show people around the school. It will make the process for new potential parents more difficult but we will stick to the rules for the safety of our learners and staff,” stated Ivon.
Sergeant More pleaded with the public to help them find the culprits, saying, “Anyone with information regarding the incident may call Florida Relief Commander on 0716757145. A grateful Ivon concluded, “Thank you for all the prayers and messages. The Lord kept His hands over us.”
