Anthony Hornby came to South Africa from Vienna, Austria to visit his brother in Springs and went through a horrific ordeal when being robbed and assaulted by armed robbers.
At 10am, brothers Ken and Anthony were driving towards Absa bank and when Ken couldn’t find a parking, he dropped his brother off right next to the bank.
Ken says he stopped there to make things easier for Anthony as the entrance to the bank was just a few meters away.
“As I wanted to drive off I noticed I couldn’t as my vehicle was blocked by a white Toyota Corolla,” he says.
Upon looking back at his brother, he was shocked to see an armed man pointing a firearm at Anthony, while another robber hit his brother over the head.
Ken adds they grabbed Anthony’s backpack containing all his valuables, ran to the car that blocked his vehicle and drove off.
“It was awful to watch everything. I felt so helpless when I saw him falling to the ground after being assaulted.
“I tried to follow the robbers’ car but they jumped the red robots and fled,” he says.
It is alleged the robbers followed the two brothers to the bank.
The robbers took off with the bag containing Anthony’s notepad, iPad, Euros and traveller’s cheques, digital camera and a couple of memory cards.
According to Ken, Absa personnel were very helpful, especially the security guard at the entrance, not to mention the woman who assisted Anthony.
Springs police spokesman Captain Johannes Ramphora says it is sad that overseas visitors have to experience crime in such a way.
“People should be vigilant, especially over the festive season, as robbers are claiming their Christmas bonus from the public,” he adds.
Ken took Anthony to Medicross in Selection Park for stitches after the police took his statement.
“It is definitely not a nice experience to go to the bank, especially with all the vendors selling their goods in the alleyway directly next to Absa,” concludes Ken.
No shots were fired.
Anyone with information can contact the Springs police on 011 365 5700/19 or Capt Ramphora on 079 694 6936.
