Heavily-armed black gangs target Ermelo East Highveld residents - five violent attacks within a week

Heavily-armed black attack gangs target Ermelo, East Highveld residents "Ermelo was hit with a sudden wave of criminal activity last week when armed men robbed no less than three local businesses and a house in Netherland Park. After going to print the newspaper was informed that a second family in Pet Street was also held up and robbed at gunpoint. 7 August 2013 journalist: Maryke Smit ---------------- 55 cellphones looted at gunpoint: MTN Kerk Street Ermelo 31 July 2013: ERMELO - The first incident took place at MTN in the Kerk Street on Wednesday. According to police spokesman Capt Carla Prinsloo, three (*black male-confirmed) suspects entered the premises at around 3.40pm. One looked at the cell-phones on display while the other asked an employee about a charger for his cell-phone. He then took out a gun and forced the two employees to the back office where they were tied up with cable ties. The gangsters told them that they were not going to harm them, that they just wanted cell-phones. They took 55 cell-phones and modems at an estimated value of R61,500. ------------------ Jimbo's Cafe, du Bruyn Park 6h45pm: four black gunmen attack: Aug 1 2013 The second incident took place at Jimbo’s Café in Du Bruyn Park on Thursday at around 6.45pm. According to Capt Prinsloo four suspects entered the premises. One ordered chips from the female owner. She walked to the kitchen to place the order and when she came back the second suspect pointed a gun at her and demanded money. The first suspect who ordered the chips went behind the cash register and was assisted by the third suspect in taking money, a cell-phone and laptop computer. The fourth suspect stood close by with a knife. Both cases of armed robbery are being investigated by W/O Roelof Minnaar and anybody with information is urged to contact him at 017 819 2321. ------------------- Park Cafe, De Bruyn Park: Saturday 7h45pm: female victim shot by gunman, injured in arm: The third incident took place at Park Café in De Bruyn Park on Saturday evening at around 7.45pm. According to Capt Prinsloo the owners got into their car after closing the business when three men approached them, one of them armed. The armed suspect fired a shot at them through the window, wounding the woman in her arm. The suspects then broke one of the car’s windows with a brick and tried to take the woman’s handbag. Her husband threw the bag out of the window and sped off in his car with the suspects still firing shots at the vehicle. Capt Danny Schmulian is investigating a case of armed robbery and anybody with information can contact him at 082 5565 689 or 017 819 2321. ------------------------ four black gunmen: Netherland Park home: The fourth incident took place on Monday evening at around 6pm at a residence in Netherland Park. When the man of the house came home from work his wife noticed that four men were approaching him from behind. Two had guns: one kept the male resident at gunpoint in the garage while the other three went into the house, where they searched the house, taking cash and cell-phones at an estimated value of R35 000 before fleeing the scene. W/O Phiri is investigating a case of armed robbery and anybody who can assist him with information can contact him at 017 819 2321. --------------------- Pet street residence: security gate, front door ripped off by three gunmen: The newspaper was also informed of another armed robbery on Teusday evening in Pet Street. According to reports the intruders gained access to the hosue by removing the front- and security door. The three men demanded weapons and money. Apart from taking several items including cell-phones and the childrens glasses they also stole the owners gold Corsa Bakkie, registration number CVT 552 MP. Capt Prinsloo added that the police are urging owners of businesses to take extra caution and safety measures when opening and closing their businesses, to be aware of any suspicious people who may be observing their routine and to change their routines where possible. Residents are also urged to be alert at their homes.The police also thank members of the public for their assistance in incidents like these but make a request for people who arrive at a crime scene before the police to conserve the area as far as possible and not to touch any objects that may be crucial to a police investigation. Also not to walk in a crime scene and if anybody is in need of medical assistance to let one person assist the person and follow one path in and out of the crime scene. ---------------- http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/eastern-highveld/eastern-highveld-news-section?oid=7681005&sn=Detail&pid=4980104&Armed-robbers-target-Ermelo