Business robbery is continuing being a regular crime in the City of Coal, with shops and offices being targeted by armed robbers almost every day.

According to the Witbank Police, businesses are being targeted regardless of what time of the day it is.

In a recent incident, a man told the police he was on duty inside the cash office when he saw two men from the entrance door. He said he immediately pressed the panic button, and wrapped the cash he had together with the car keys and hid them inside a dustbin.

The man further said that one of the robbers made his way inside the office where he was demanded to open the safe for him.

The robbers fled the scene allegedly with cash from the safe.

In the second incident, a man was shot during a robbery in a local supermarket and he is believed to be one of the suspects.
The robbers took off with cash in the robbery. Luckily no clients in the supermarket were injured.

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“Business owners should always be on the lookout and be aware of their surroundings to protect themselves and their property. Please, members of the public, do not have a lot of cash in your possession or on your premises,” Witbank Police Spokesperson, Captain Eddie Hall, said.

Hall shared the following SAPS hints for business owners to prevent business robberies

-Install CCTV cameras, alarms, and panic buttons linked to armed response or SAPS.

-Ensure good lighting outside and inside the premises.

-Use strong locks, gates, and security doors to delay criminals.

-Keep minimal cash on the premises.

-Make bank deposits at different times and use safe routes.

-Use drop safes that cannot be opened by staff.

-Teach staff how to react during a robbery:

-Stay calm.

-Do not resist.

-Observe details (clothing, weapons, getaway vehicle).

-Train staff to spot suspicious behaviour and report it.

-Never open or close the business alone – always work in pairs.

-Join your local Business Watch or CPF (Community Policing Forum).

-Report all suspicious activity immediately to SAPS 10111.

-Build a relationship with your sector police or station commander.

-Be alert during opening and closing times – peak times for robberies.

-Limit late-night trading unless extra security is in place.

-Regularly change routines (banking times, deliveries, staff shifts).

-Use remote CCTV monitoring on your phone.

-Install GPS tracking in delivery vehicles.

-Consider automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) if possible.

“Criminals look for easy targets. By improving security and working with SAPS, you reduce the risk of a robbery,” said Hall.

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