Business robberies are becoming more and more common in the Laudium area, as thieves become more desperate and dangerous. They mainly target businesses that open till late, which are mostly owned by Pakistani nationals. This has left these business owners fearing for their lives saying that their pleas to the local police for evening patrols in the area, seem to be falling on deaf ears.
In a recent incident, a Pakistani owned business on 9th Ave, in the Laudium CBD, was attacked by a gang of armed thugs last Wednesday. Pakistani national, Ali Reza, manager at Pakistan Cash & Carry, told the Laudium Sun, “Last night [Wednesday], at around 7:45pm, we were busy in the shop with our customers, when suddenly three thugs burst into our shop, pointing big guns at us, while another one waited outside in a blue BMW. They pointed guns at me and my partner Mohamed, threatening to shoot us. They made us all lie down on the floor, then demanded money and our cellphones. After we gave them whatever cash we had in the cash register and our phones, they also pointed their guns at our customers and took their cellphones too. It all happened so fast. Honestly, it’s all such a blur to me, as if I was dreaming. After that, the three ran outside and jumped into the BMW waiting outside and speedily drove off. We had one security guard who was positioned outside, but he had no gun, so he could not do much. It is very dangerous for business people now, as these guys are desperate and dangerous. I think it’s because of the lockdown and the high unemployment rate. They will kill, just to get money. They stole our hard earned money for the day. What these thugs don’t understand is that the money in our tills is not all ours. We have to pay from it for stock, rent, electricity and wages. I am actually still in shock by this whole incident and thinking how quickly and easily they were able to rob us and get away, despite so many people and cars passing. We are so scared for our lives now. I mean we also have families to take care of, who are dependent on us. I just hope that the police can beef up evening patrols around businesses.”
Another Pakistani national and employee at Pakistan Cash & Carry, Mahomed Ahmed, who was also present at the time of the robbery, added “When these three thugs came in, I was taken by surprise, as I was busy with customers. The three black guys with big guns just appeared out of nowhere. Luckily, they did not take any stock, or shoot anyone. They wanted money and cellphones. What I’m wondering is, how these guys can travel with such big guns, without being caught by the police? Especially as the level 4 lockdown is currently imposed, our police are supposed to be more proactive. The blue BMW registration number was ‘KB 31 ZB GP’. I am not sure if it was a false number plate.”
Laudium SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Simon Chokoe said, “Police in Laudium are investigating a case of business robbery on 9th Avenue. It is alleged that the victim was at his business place, a cash and carry supermarket when three suspects covering their mouth and nose with masks and wearing gloves, all armed with firearms, entered the supermarket. It is further alleged that the suspects pointed at the victims including customers with firearms, ordering them to lay down on the floor and demanding money from the victims. An undisclosed amount of money and cellphones were taken from the shop. No one was shot and no injuries were reported. No arrests have been made yet. All the suspects fled the scene in a BMW. Police are pleading to anyone with information which might lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the SAPS on 0860010111 or contact their local police station. Police are further urging the community to report any suspicious motor vehicles or persons to the police without fear. Together we can create a safer community.”
