Yet another cigarette van was robbed in Buffalo Flats in East London yesterday, bringing to 14 the number of British American Tobacco trucks ambushed in the province since last year.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mtati Tana said although at this stage they could not conclude whether or not this was the work of the same syndicate as in the previous cases, the same method was used.
“At about 8.30am yesterday, in Boeing Street in Buffalo Flats, the driver of the van was accosted by two armed men driving in a white Corsa bakkie.
“The suspects managed to escape with seven boxes of cigarettes,” said Tana.
When the Daily Dispatch arrived at the scene yesterday morning, police officers had cordoned off the streets to allow for the forensic unit to collect evidence. Tana said fortunately no shots were fired and no one was injured. The suspects remain at large and a case of armed robbery is being investigated.
Last year, the Saturday Dispatch reported on the arrest of six suspects believed to be part of a syndicate targeting cigarette trucks. They appeared in court and were denied bail.
The Daily Dispatch has reported on the previous robberies, with the largest in Mthatha, where 38 boxes of cigarettes each valued at R20000 were stolen.
BAT’s head of corporate communications Tabby Tsengiwe confirmed the armed robbery yesterday but said they did not yet have the full details of the incident.
“We think it would be insensitive of us to ask our driver to relive this traumatic incident so soon after it has taken place.”
She said their company was from time to time affected by criminal activity targeted at its operations. “All criminal activities, no matter when or where they occur, are of great concern to us, and we strongly condemn this crime, especially when it directly impacts on our staff.”
Tsengiwe acknowledged that it was an ongoing problem and said they were working hard to curb it, in conjunction with the relevant authorities.
“We are constantly looking at ways to enhance the protection of our entire business.”
She said they could not disclose information on the amount of stock lost as the matter was being investigated.
Tana said they were calling on anyone with information to contact Buffalo City police station or Crimestop on 08600-1011. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za