RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 is intensifying efforts to track down armed suspects involved in multiple business robberies between 20 and 21 February. The targeted businesses include tuck shops and fuel stations, where criminals made off with cash and large quantities of cigarettes.
The first robbery took place in Tlhabane West at a tuck shop on 20 February at 17:30.
Two unidentified males (one armed) stole cash and R3 000 worth of cigarettes. The shop owner was inside when two suspects entered and one pointed a firearm at him while the other stole the money and cigarettes. The suspects then fled on foot. No injuries were reported.
The second incident took place at Olifantsnek fuel station on 21 February at 21:00. Five armed men were involved in the incident. Two suspects entered the store, held an employee at gunpoint, and forced open office drawers to steal cash and cigarettes. Outside, their accomplices disarmed a security guard and fired shots at fleeing petrol attendants. The suspects also fired at an approaching bakkie, hitting its rear tire. The driver of the bakkie, legally armed, returned fire. No injuries were reported and the perpetrators fled in a dark Hyundai i10 (registration unknown) with an undisclosed amount of cash and R60 000 worth of cigarettes.
On Friday, 21 February at 23:45 a fuel station in Bosch Street, Rustenburg, four armed perpetrators robbed cash and R20 000 worth of cigarettes. One of the robbers was carrying a rifle, all the perpetrators wore gloves and hoodies and forced three petrol attendants to the ground before overpowering the cashier and stealing the cash and cigarettes. They fled the scene, but no getaway vehicle was identified.
SAPS detectives are actively following leads in all these cases and urge residents to remain vigilant. Additional patrols and crime prevention measures have been implemented in high-risk areas to curb further incidents.
SAPS encourages community members and business owners to report any suspicious activity and anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is urged to come forward. Reports can be made anonymously via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app.
“These crimes are not just targeting businesses - they pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities. We urge anyone with information to assist us in bringing these criminals to justice,” said Acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District Commisioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae.
