Kriel– The small town of Kriel is still reeling after a brazen robbery incident that happened on Monday at a popular local business near the main taxi rank.
This incident has left residents shaken, businesses on edge, and police under pressure.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of four armed men stormed the premises shortly after 10 o’clock in the morning. They forced staff and customers to the ground, demanding cash and valuables. Shots were fired into the air to intimidate, but no injuries were reported. The suspects fled the scene in a white Toyota Quantum with no number plates.
Police arrived within minutes, but by then, the suspects had escaped. A manhunt is underway and the Kriel Police Station has offered a R20,000 reward for any information leading to arrests.
“We’re scared. They came in like they owned the town,” said Mandla Khoza, a shop employee who was inside during the robbery. “Now we just don’t feel safe anymore.”
Residents say crime has been rising in Kriel, but this robbery has struck a deeper nerve.
“It’s not just about the money — it’s about the fear that now lives with us,” said Nomsa Ngwenya, a local teacher. “People are starting to close their shops early. Some are afraid to go into town.”
Parents have voiced concerns about their children’s safety, especially after recent cases of missing children in the surrounding areas, adding to the anxiety gripping the community.
Kriel SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Thabiso Molefe, said police are following leads and working with provincial crime intelligence to track the suspects.
“We urge the community to stay calm and report any suspicious activity. We will not rest until these criminals are brought to justice,” Molefe said.
Molefe added that SAPS has increased patrols around business areas and is planning a public safety meeting with community stakeholders on Thursday evening.
Local business owners are now calling for CCTV cameras, better lighting, and quicker police response. “We need to work together — police, businesses, and community members. Kriel is our home. We cannot let crime rule it,” said Linda Mahlangu, a local salon owner.
Despite the fear, some residents say the incident has strengthened their resolve. “If anything, this has reminded us how important it is to stand together,” said pastor Jabu Dlamini, who is organising a community prayer vigil on Sunday. “Kriel is not broken. We are just being tested.”
