Police in Welkom are investigating cases of robbery with a firearm. This follows two separate incidents that were reported in Welkom.
During the first incident, it is alleged that on Thursday, 12 March 2026 three adult males were at Mannys in Welkom standing next to a blue Toyota Corolla. They were then approached by an unknown african male who asked for the driver of the Toyota. One of the males the identified himself as the driver.
The suspect then asked if he could transport him to a kraal near the golf course where he needed to collect his chickens. The suspect offered to pay a fare of two hundred and fifty (R250) rands. The driver agreed then all four males drove to the kraal.
On arrival at the identified place they were surrounded by bushes and there was a dam nearby but there was no kraal. They all alighted from the vehicle and that’s when the suspect switched off the victim’s car which was still idling.
It is alleged that another african male appeared from the bushes pointed a firearm at the three males and instructed them to lie on the ground. The first suspect then began to search the driver. Shoes, a cellphone and money were taken from the driver. Nothing was taken from the other two males.
The second incident occurred on Friday, 20 March 2026 at about 12:30. This incident involves an adult african male who was seated in his Isuzu K21 at a local butchery paarking area. He was also approached by an unknown african male. The male requested transport to fetch chickens from the kraal near the golf course. On arrival there was no kraal only bushes and a dam. The suspect then took out a firearm and pointed it to the driver and his wife before taking a cellphone and money and ultimately fled into the bushes on foot.
In light of these incidents, members of the public are warned to be vigilant and to refrain from transporting unknown individuals in their private vehicles.
No arrests have been made at this stage investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information that could assist with investigations or lead to the arrests and successful prosecution of the suspects to come forward. Sgt Modupe Thekiso can be contacted on 083 929 8149 or Sgt Pitso Matsie on 071 062 7692.
The Crime Stop Number can be contacted on 08600 10111 or alternatively an anonymous tip-off may be sent through the MySAPS App.
