“We never used to have armed robberies here, people would only break in after hours, now they are getting more bold,” said the shop owner.
On June 25 an armed robbery took place at the BP Petrol Station on Walter Sisulu Street, fortunately for staff no shots were fired.
“We were about to close for the day when the three men entered the shop and robbed us at gunpoint,” said the cashier.
According to surveillance footage the three men arrived together in a white bakkie and parked some distance from the shop’s entrance.
The first of the armed robbers walked to the shop, entering shortly after the last customer had left.
The second and third robber walked to the entrance of the shop and both made a call on their cellular phone. One of them walked into the shop, still talking on his phone while the other simply waited near the door.
“The first one pretended that he was buying cigarettes and asked me the price, he reached into his pocket as if he was reaching for money but instead pulled out a gun and pointed it at me,” continued the cashier.
One of the robbers escorted an employee and the security guard to the back of the shop, closing them off in the storeroom.
While they were being escorted to the storeroom, one of the robbers walked around to the till and started removing all the money from the drawers. His accomplice ordered the cashier to fill a plastic bag with cigarette boxes.
A customer had walked into the shop, oblivious to what was going on he wanted to make a purchase. As he made his way back to the door, one of the robbers ordered him to the back of the shop where the staff member and security guard were being held.
“I had no choice but to adhere to their demands, they came in and took what they wanted then left,” ended the cashier.
With bags full of loot, the three armed robbers walked out of the shop. The last of the robbers closed the door behind him.
According to the shop owner, this is the third armed robbery the business has suffered this year, fortunately none of her staff were harmed.
“My cashier was a bit shook up and traumatised but I am glad she is unharmed,” ended the shop owner.
*The shop owner and cashier’s names were withheld at their request.
Footage of the robbery as it took place.
* Can’t see the video? Click here
