By Shaanaaz de Jager
Criminals are using the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the Bay to their advantage, according the police.
Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said on Monday there was an increase in armed robberies taking place where there was BRT construction.
“As the police we have nothing against the BRT, but we do caution business owners to be more vigilant,” she said. Criminals parked their getaway cars in side streets, making it difficult for police to get to them sooner.
Police arrested three armed robbers on Monday, recovering stolen money, a stolen vehicle and two firearms. A fourth suspect is still at large.
Janse van Rensburg said the armed men entered Heydenrychs Butchery in Uitenhage Road, Sydenham, at 7.20am and pointed firearms at the manager and staff demanding money.
Their getaway vehicle, a white Corsa bakkie, was parked in Sydenham Road.
“A community member saw the incident and spotted a police officer patrolling in his dog unit vehicle and accompanied the officer to the butchery. When they arrived they saw the suspects drive off.”
The officer and members of the Mount Road Crime Prevention Unit pursued them and managed to arrest three of the suspects in Stebonheath Road, Sydenham.
