On Friday 25 October 2019, two suspects who pretended to be customers, allegedly entered a bakery in Mahikeng and threatened employees with firearms. They allegedly robbed the employees of their cash and two cellular phones before fleeing the scene on foot.
A customer who entered the bakery soon thereafter, was informed about the incident. He allegedly jumped into his vehicle in pursuit of the suspects. According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that he found one of the suspects approximately 500m from the scene and slightly knocked him down with his vehicle.
Consequently, two robbed cellular phones were found in possession of the suspect. The latter was admitted under police guard at a local hospital. He is expected to appear soon in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court for business robbery.
Business owners are requested to take precautionary measures and apply the following safety tips to prevent business robberies:
Maintain visibility throughout the store.
Develop a cash control programme and avoid keeping large sums of cash in the store.
Be discreet in cash counting and bank deposits.
Do not visit the bank on the same date at the same time.
Take precautions during opening and closing times. Have at least two employees to open and close the business.
Invest in a security alarm system with a mobile panic button and install a robbery alarm as this is a strong deterrent.
Do not release personal information to strangers.
Keep purses and personal valuables locked in desks or lockers.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
