Black Friday was supposed to be a shopping spree but instead turned into a robbing spree for some.
As some shops opened just after midnight on November 24, residents were queuing in front of these shops hoping for a special or two. While robbers had their choice of specials as three business robberies took place.
The first incident occurred in Diecdericks Street in the Central Business District (CBD). Three men made their way into a small fashion shop, pulled out a firearm and stole an undisclosed amount of money. Luckily no one got hurt and the suspects fled the scene.
Later the same day a garage in Mandela Drive got targeted when a suspect entered the garage and came across as a customer.
The scene of a robbery that took place at Greenpoint Centre. On black Friday, November 24, more than three robberies took place in eMalahleni.
“The man was wearing a white shirt and calmly approached me. At first I thought he is going to buy some cigarettes over the counter but pulled out a firearm, aiming it at me,” the staff member on duty said.
The suspect kept on saying “open the till I want money, money”.
After he got the money he fled the shop and disappeared.
As the busy day made its way to the end another incident occurred in Klipfontein, Greenpoint Centre at a local liquor store.
It is alleged by the staff that around 19:30 two suspects came into the store, one of them had a firearm. He demanded money as the other robber walked through the shelves telling the customers to keep quite and lay down on the floor.
The liquor store was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and four bottles of expensive liquor but the suspects got away in a red Volkswagen Polo, registration unknown.
Witbank Police spokesman, Sgt. David Ratau urged the public to be extra careful during the ‘silly season’ and concluded with,
“Shop owners should take extra precaution as the festive season is upon us. If you see anything suspicious or any suspicious activity, report it.”
ALSO READ
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/96100/men-robbed-large-amounts-money/
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/103132/five-businesses-robbed-within-four-days/
