eMalahleni was recently rocked when three separate armed robberies occurred in broad daylight across different areas, including the Olifants River, in one day.

The three incidents occurred on February 16.

Victims were targeted and robbed of large sums of money, with the combined losses exceeding R140 000, and others in the form of items.

Olifants River robbery

According to the police, a man reported that on February 16, at around 15:30, he and his wife were at the Olifants River when they were suddenly approached by two men. The suspects pretended to ask for a lighter, but then pulled out a firearm. The couple was blindfolded, tied up, and guided toward the river.

Once there, they were ordered to sit down while the gunmen demanded their cellphones and access to their banking applications. The robbers withdrew an amount of over R20 000 from their accounts.

While this was happening, another man and woman arrived at the river. They, too, were immediately attacked by the same suspects.

Police have since issued a warning to the public, urging people to stay away from the Olifants River.

ATM withdrawal robbery

In the second incident, a man told the police that he went to an ATM at a local shopping centre and withdrew money. Upon completion, he went to his car, where he was approached by an armed man who threatened him with a firearm. The man reportedly got inside the car and drove him to a local store. The man then took the money the victim had withdrawn and fled the scene.

Bank withdrawal robbery

In the third incident, a man visited a bank and withdrew money. As he was driving to his place, he noticed a vehicle by the traffic light that later sped off.

The man reported to the police that as he arrived at his gate, he saw another car that immediately stopped behind him. Two men approached him, with one of them allegedly armed.

The duo took the car keys from the ignition. One shot was fired in the victim’s direction; however, it reportedly only broke his car’s window. The duo then grabbed his two bags and fled the scene.

READ MORE: Olifants River visitors tied up, blindfolded, and robbed

Authorities have confirmed investigations are underway in all three cases. They have urged residents to exercise extreme caution, especially when withdrawing or carrying large sums of money.

“A lot of people are being targeted on the day after paydays. Therefore, we are urging business owners who pay their employees in cash to avoid doing so. Rather, they should normalise electronic ways of making transactions,” said the Witbank SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer David Ratau.

He further urged residents to reschedule their appointments or withdrawal at the bank if they notice some suspicious activities from other bank users or those claiming to be bank users in the certain moment. “If you stand up to leave the bank and you notice someone also standing up in a suspicious way or to follow you, be on an extra lookout as you may be targeted,” Ratau added. He emphasised that residents should always be aware of their surroundings.

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