According to the police, a group of suspected robbers has been targeting pedestrians walking along Railway Street to Tambo Memorial Hospital, the Trichardts Bridge and Boksburg East railway line station.
The most recent of the series of violent robberies, happened near Boksburg railway line station, Plantation, on Thursday morning, April 24.
Six men were robbed of their belongings by eight thugs armed with firearms. They stole cellphones, cash and other valuables.
No shots were fired, and none of the victims were injured.
According to Mathanda Ngobese, spokesperson for the Boksburg SAPS, the victims were walking down Railway Street, after getting off a train.
Two of the victims opened cases of armed robbery.
“On Thursday alone we recorded two cases and this has been the trend. We want to warn the public to be on the lookout as the robbers continue to be on the prowl,” says Ngobese.
“Our vans are patrolling the affected areas more frequently, because we suspect that the robbers may strike again.”
Ngobese says most or the robberies happened early in the morning and sundown.
Police have only a vague description of the suspects, but their described as a gang of eight men most of them armed.
n Police are also warning motorists to be aware of smash-and-grab criminals, who normally become more active during this time of the year.
Such crimes happen predominately between 6pm and 8pm, but sometimes criminals strike in broad daylight.
According to the SAPS, thieves are keen to grab any valuable items, such as cellphones, laptops, wallets and handbags.
Some of the common attack hotspots in Boksburg include the traffic lights at the intersection of Main Reef and Rondebult roads, Rondebult Road and Middle Street, Van Dyk Road and Commissioner Street and the corner of Rondebult and Pretoria roads.
Motorists, especially women, should ensure valuables are not visible to criminals.
Motorists should also be cautious about talking on their cellphones when parked at traffic lights, as it serves as an open invitation to be robbed.
It is advised that motorists lock bags away in the boot, and never have anything valuables lying in the vehicle.
