Business robberies rise in CBD
Compared to the recorded cases of shoplifting and burglary in non-residential premises such as business outlets, robberies at these premises seemed to have dropped in Polokwane and the province largely according to third quarter crime statistics - the period between October and December last year.
Police stations that historically record the highest number of cases in the province, namely Mankweng, Seshego, Thohoyandou and Polokwane this time around did not feature in the top 30 countrywide for this type of crime.
In recent weeks, however, several cases of business robberies were recorded in the Polokwane CBD.
Three cases with a similar modus operandi were recorded at the Westenburg and Polokwane stations, and occurred at the Westenburg Post Office, as well as two large retail shops in the CBD in fewer than seven days.
These robberies happened in quick succession last Wednesday. “According to preliminary reports, five armed suspects entered one of the stores just after closing time at 18:30 and demanded the keys to the main safe,” Capt Lesiba Ramoshaba explained.
The men made off with a substantial amount, driving off in a white Toyota Quest with registration number: FDK 345 L, he confirmed.
These incidents come around a month after a man died in the Pietersburg Hospital from several gunshot wounds following a robbery in another store near the taxi rank in the CBD.
According to the authorities, three suspects stormed into the centre and opened fire several times before taking aim at the 50-year-old man who was withdrawing cash at an ATM located at the entrance. “The suspects fled from the scene with a white Toyota Corolla and the registration numbers are unknown,” Ramoshaba mentioned.
He also said investigations were ongoing in the latest incidents and that anyone with information that can assist, should contact the investigating officer, Sgt Tebogo Mabula on 078 488 3435.