Armed robbery is a very serious crime that could potentially becoming aggravated and end in fatalities. However the two business robberies that were reported to Witbank SAPS last week did not take a turn for the worst.
According to one of the victims, who is a security guard, he was on duty patrolling the premises on May 31.
At 22:00 while doing his rounds he spotted 10 men coming out of the darkness towards him. Two of them carried firearms that were pointed right at him. The robbers took him to the guard room where his colleague was waiting. Both guards were tied up with shoe laces and left on the floor of the tiny guard room while two robbers stood guard.
According to the victim his bonds were not that tight and he managed to break free and push the two robbers to the ground, before making his escape to get help.
When he returned after reporting the case the authorities found that six truck tyres had been stolen from the yard. The stock is approximately worth several thousand rand.
Another business was also robbed over the weekend. On May 29 at about 03:30 a business in Jellico Street was robbed by four armed assailants. The two security guards that were on duty were approached before they could react and ordered to lie down on the ground outside the office. The robbers apparently took their cell phones and broke the office window with a brick to gain entrance.
They apparently escaped with an office computer worth several thousand rand. In both cases the suspects are still unknown, the security guards were not harmed.
Sgt David Ratau of the Witbank SAPS said that victims of armed robberies should not try and be heroes. Rather comply with the demands of the criminals as coming out of a situation like that alive and unharmed is more important than protecting material property at the expense of your own life. Robbers would likely not hesitate to shoot if any resistance is shown. They do advise people to try and remember as much detail about a robber or thief as possible if they ever find themselves in a situation like this. Language, facial features, colour of clothes, and tattoos can help the investigators immensely in tracking down offenders.
For free breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’s website:
Witbank News
For more news and interesting articles, like Witbank News on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
We offer a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send a message to our WhatsApp with your ‘Name and Surname’ to 082 955 7201 or add us on BBM 7F6C600F to receive your free daily news updates.
