An ordinary afternoon walk for two friends turned into a frightening experience that cost one of them his cell phone.

A man told the police that he was walking to the Central Business District with his friend on June 14, around 16:15, when they were suddenly stopped by three men who asked for time.

As he took out his phone to check the time, one of the men allegedly took out a knife and threatened him, demanding the phone.

As soon as he handed it to him, the men all ran away, but one fell short of luck and was caught.

Witbank SAPS spokesperson, Captain Eddie Hall, advised, “To prevent potential robbery when someone asks for time, maintain situational awareness, answer briefly from a safe distance, avoid lengthy conversations or displaying valuables. If you’re feeling unsafe, create distance and seek help from trusted individuals. Most importantly, if a robbery occurs, remain calm and cooperate as resisting could escalate the situation.”

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