New Germany employees were attacked by a slasher-wielding suspect in an armed robbery, which resulted in two employees being injured at a distribution depot in the early hours of the morning.
“A Thula Bona armed-response officer was informed, on arrival, that five armed intruders had entered the premises early on Friday morning wielding firearms and, one of them, a slasher tool,” said Thula Bona Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios.
It is believed that the suspects gained entry through the rear fire door which had been left open so there was no forced entry.
“Calling the supervisor by name, the suspects instructed him to open the safe. When the supervisor told them that he did not know how to open it, they proceeded to the office and stole a laptop,” Mathios said.
A number of cellphones and R500 cash from the supervisor’s pocket was also taken during the incident.
The robbery took a violent turn when the supervisor was assaulted by the suspect wielding the slasher.
“He and another employee sustained severe injuries on their backs. The colleague was attacked whilst trying to escape and look for help,” he said.
The suspects fled via the roller door. Paramedics were summoned to the scene to treat the victims’ injuries. Pinetown SAPS also attended the scene and investigations are continuing into the incident.
How can you be prepared?
The Thula Bona Security team advises businesses to secure their premises with CCTV cameras that can notify them of any criminal activity.
Businesses should also consider activating their external beams especially during night shifts and the possibility of doing so during day shifts.
Please also consider installation of electric fencing around the business perimetre.
To ensure that all employees feel safe, please also take them through the processes of using the panic buttons installed at various locations within the business premises.