A violent robbery in Lotus River has drawn attention to the escalating gang activity in the area. On Monday, a group of around 12 men, reportedly linked to the Mongrel gang, targeted a foreign-owned shop at the Engen garage on Klip Road. The incident, captured on video, reveals the brazen nature of the crime.
The footage shows two men climbing onto the counter and reaching for the cash register while others grab whatever they can from the shop. The video, which is two minutes and forty-seven seconds long, also depicts two men threatening the shopkeeper with a knife, underscoring the level of intimidation faced by the store’s staff. The thieves made off with cigarettes, card machines, cellphones, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The situation quickly escalated as law enforcement officers, stationed nearby on De Wet Road, were drawn into the incident. Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, explained that the officers were initially focused on a motorcycle stop when they noticed people fleeing from the store, carrying stolen items, including cartons of cigarettes and the cash register.
“Law Enforcement officers were alerted when they noticed persons running out of the convenience store, carrying cartons of cigarettes, items and the cash register,”
Smith stated. The officers attempted to approach the suspects but were confronted by approximately 20 members of the Mongrel gang, seemingly aiming to create a diversion.
“The suspects threatened to shoot the officers approaching, forcing them to withdraw their weapons,”
Smith added. Despite the tension, no shots were fired. The suspects quickly entered a getaway vehicle parked nearby and fled the scene. However, two other individuals from the group attempted to escape in a separate vehicle. The officers acted swiftly, preventing these two from getting away.
The suspects, aged 24 and 50, were apprehended and are expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court after being formally charged. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is actively investigating the robbery.
The Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) has expressed strong disapproval of the crime. CPF spokesperson Philip Bam voiced the community’s frustration with the ongoing criminal activity.
“People work hard to make a living and feed their families. The CPF calls on SAPS to leave no stone unturned until these criminals are brought to book,”
Bam urged.
The robbery highlights the continuing challenges faced by communities in Cape Town, where gang-related violence and criminal activity remain a constant threat. Authorities are under pressure to respond decisively and restore a sense of safety for residents and business owners alike.
