Manhunt launched for multiple robbery incidents in Welkom

With residents in panic mode after multiple armed robberies in the city, the Welkom police have intensified a massive manhunt for gang of robbers who are still at large.

Even as police are facing flak over faulty night patrolling that led to the twin robberies, officers are trying hard to nab the entire gang and thus save face, said Lejweleputswa police spokesperson captain Stephen Thakeng.

Last month in June, an elderly citizen driving a white Nissan bakkie was stopped by an unknown African man asking to load his scrap metal on the bakkie.

“The man then pointed the gun to the 60-year-old driver to the delivery point, at the delivery stop station, the second man had a handgun and robbed the bakkie owner of R4 000 cash and a Samsung cellphone,” informed Thakeng.

Further information revealed that the duo fled on foot and both had Lesotho accents.

“The first suspect is dark in complexion, 1,7 metres tall and is slender. It is estimated that he could be 20-25 years of age. The second suspect is light in complexion, 1,6 metres tall and is also slender. He could be 25-30 years old,” Thakeng described identity of the men-on-the-run.

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In another separate occurrence same month, a 70-year-old white man was at his residence when he heard an unfamiliar knock on his door.

Upon opening the door, there were two white males who had clearly jumped the fence. The senior man recognized the pair because he once helped them with food.

“One of the men grabbed a Huawei P Smart cellphone and they both ran away,” said Thakeng.

As a result, the man went to the Welkom Police Station to report the robbery.

The same suspects returned to steal five tyres, four rims and one 3mm steel iron plate from the 70-year-old’s yard.

“Anyone with information leading to the arrests of these suspects, may contact detective Riaan de Lange of Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes 0828219227. Alternatively, they may use the police emergency number 0860010111,” concluded Thakeng.