Up to 17 robbers may have executed R300 000 robbery
August 15, 2010. Police continue to probe the heist at Sibaya Casino north of Umhlanga last week, in which a gang of heavily armed thieves made off with R300 000 in cash after sidestepping security measures.
Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom MD Melville Vogel commented: “The robbers stole approximately R300 000 from the cash desk. On fleeing a guest was injured in the car park when the robbers fired warning shots.
“We received and continue to enjoy superb co-operation from the police and relevant authorities who we are working very closely with in the investigation. Two vehicles used in the robbery were recovered but no arrests have yet been made,” said Vogel.
While Vogel thanked his staff for their very professional behaviour under difficult circumstances, it seems the entertainment hub may need to revisit its security systems and procedures.
The Sunday Tribune reported CCTV footage revealed that it took just six minutes for the gang members to execute their plan, from the time they entered the premises to the time they made their getaway. One of the robbers was also armed with what looked like an AK-47 assault rifle. The security personnel at the door were distracted by some members of the gang while others made their way to the cash office.
Police spokesman Col Jay Naicker said the attack on Sibaya Casino had been extremely well planned and executed, and they were considering whether there was a military connection to the men who carried out the crime.
During their getaway the robbers opened fire on a patron’s vehicle. The driver was injured and taken to hospital in a stable condition. He has since been discharged. Naicker said it was not known why the robbers singled out this patron’s vehicle.
Naicker confirmed two of the getaway vehicles used in the Sibaya heist had been found abandoned in Umhlanga.
When The Ridge visited the casino this week it was business as usual, and visitors entering through the main entrance had to pass through scanners, handing over any metallic objects before walking through the device. Security was visible but did not appear to be armed.