A group of armed robbers moved from village to village in Waterval, targeting at least four small businesses within two hours in the early hours of Wednesday, 18 March. Police believe the same suspects may be behind all the attacks, which followed a similar pattern and targeted spaza shops and small traders.
The first robbery occurred at about 00:30 in Tonic village, where three suspects entered a supermarket and threatened the owner with firearms and knives before taking cash. Half an hour later, another spaza shop was robbed in Basani Mtsetweni village. The suspects allegedly took cash, a cellphone, clothing and a pair of shoes.
At around 01:30, a third shop in Bungeni Basani village was targeted. The suspects again used weapons to threaten the owner and fled with cash and airtime vouchers. The final incident was reported at about 02:30 at a tuck shop in Bungeni Njakanjaka village along the R578.
Police said the suspects broke through a wall to gain entry. Shots were fired during the robbery, but no one was injured. Cash, airtime vouchers, a cellphone and personal belongings were stolen. Police said similar methods were used in all four cases, including breaking through walls and targeting small businesses in rural areas.
A manhunt has been launched. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said anyone with information should contact the investigating officer or report it anonymously through Crime Stop or the MySAPS app.