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Every time a strange car with an out-of-town registration plate stops outside their shop or a group of men loiter in the shop for too long, people working in Grabouw’s CBD become anxious and fear for their life.
This state of mind has become the daily norm for such people after a number of businesses in the area were targeted by armed robbers in recent weeks.
The latest incident occurred on Friday 19 April at 18:48, when A-Z Mini Market in the Main Road was robbed by three assailants who made off with cash, cartons of cigarettes, a cellphone and airtime.
Sergeant Abigail Naidoo, spokesperson for the Overberg Police District, confirmed an attempted murder docket was opened in connection with a 20-year-old man being wounded when one of the suspects reportedly fired shots at the young man and a security guard of Agri Protection Services who pursued the fleeing assailants.
She added: “A business robbery case is being investigated after three unidentified men robbed A-Z Mini Market of a large amount of money and airtime, cartons of cigarettes and a Huawei P60 cellphone.”
All three suspects’ faces were reportedly covered, making it difficult to identify them. At least two of the suspects were armed, one with a silver coloured revolver and the other with a handgun. Naidoo said it was unclear whether the third assailant was also armed.
“The suspects fled on foot, running towards the taxi rank. One suspect was caught, but managed to free himself and run away after wrestling with the security official.”
Naidoo reported that the police received a complaint of a shooting at the taxi rank in the CBD at 19:00.
“They found the victim sitting on a corner and was informed he had been shot twice in the right upper chest by fleeing suspects he and a security official of Agri Protection Services had pursued from the business robbery scene at A-Z Minimarket.
“The victim, 20 years of age, was transported to Grabouw Day Hospital for medical attention. This case is linked to the business robbery. The suspects are still at large.”
No arrests had been made in connection with the business robberies that took place at Tekkie Town, Choice Clothing or OK Furniture either.
Another business, located in Keerom Street, Grabouw, was robbed on Monday 15 April at approximately 10:25.
One of the two suspects, whose faces were covered, reportedly pointed a gun at the complainant while the other demanded money.
“The complainant reportedly informed them that she had already banked the weekend’s money,” Naidoo related.
“The suspect with the firearm then took out the magazine, re-inserted it into the firearm and demanded the complainant open the till, which she did.
“He then took the money out. The complainant managed to press the panic button after the suspects fled on foot.”
The police appealed to the community to “work hand-in-glove with the police” and assist them with any information regarding the spate of robberies.
Major General Miriam Mochologi, the Overberg District Police Commissioner, gave the community the assurance detectives are working around the clock following up all leads that could lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible for the spate of robberies.
She urged the business community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour and to increase security measures.
“Police visibility,” said the major general, “will also be increased.”
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects must please contact Grabouw police on 021 859 7700.
