- A food delivery driver was robbed at gunpoint in Monte Vista by suspects in a minibus-taxi.
- The incident was reported to the police, and the vehicle involved was identified through community-funded technology.
- The neighbourhood watch urged residents to open cases even if they seem minor.
A case of armed robbery has been reported to the police following the attack on a take-away food delivery driver in Monte Vista recently.
According to resident Carmen Timm three suspects in a minibus-taxi pulled a gun on the delivery driver in front of her house in Monte Vista Boulevard on Sunday 4 August. The victim was robbed at gunpoint of the food that he was delivering, as well as the keys to the motorcycle before the suspects drove off, Timm wrote on the community Facebook page shortly afterwards.
The armed robbery was confirmed by the Monte Vista Plattekloof Glenn Neighbourhood Watch vice-chair, Deon Oosthuizen.
Timm told TygerBurger that a case had been opened at the Goodwood Police Station. “I took the driver there Wednesday night, but he is a foreign national and does not have any RSA identification. He is going back there Thursday (last week) with his Burundian driver’s licence,” she said.
TygerBurger is waiting on comment from the Goodwood police.
“According to the neighbourhood watch, they have tracked down the minibus-taxi and are just waiting on the case number in order to make an arrest,” Timm said.
Oosthuizen said the vehicle involved was identified through community-funded technology. He said that the driver initially did not have enough information and incorrectly believed that it would not be worth opening a case with the police.
“It is one of the reasons why we always encourage people to open a case regardless if they think it’s not worthwhile. Without a case there is not much we can do,” he said.
Timm, the resident who made the post, has been very helpful in this case, Oosthuizen said. He confirmed that both she and the victim had gone together to the police station to open a case. Oosthuizen said he is grateful for her effort.
Safety tips
He also shared valuable information for residents on how to ensure their safety.
“While no method can guarantee complete safety, following these guidelines can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of armed robbery.”
- Be conscious of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like cellphones while walking or while waiting for someone.
- Trust your instinct; if a situation feels off, remove yourself from it.
- Try and avoid isolated areas and if possible, travel in groups.
- Do not leave your valuables on display or leave your keys in your ignition.
- When confronted with an armed robbery, try and avoid eye contact and do not make sudden movements. Make sure you obey all their commands and articulate to them your movements so there are no surprises.
“I would like to encourage more residents to join our neighbourhood watch. The more community involvement the safer the neighbourhood. Our biggest asset is our members,” Oosthuizen said.
