Armed gangs target schools in upmarket northern Joburg suburbs

Concerned Johannesburg northern suburbs residents have deployed private security companies to guard schools during drop-off and collection times, as armed robbers target parents collecting children.

Since the beginning of the school year two weeks ago, robbers have struck at least five times at schools in northern Joburg and Randburg.

The gangs have reportedly been using a blue Jeep Grand Cherokee and a white BMW X5 with at least two sets of false registration plates.

This week, St Stithians College sent a security alert to parents warning them about the armed gang, who follow moms and rob them on arrival at home.

The Saturday Star can reveal that residents of Craighall Park have employed the services of CSS Tactical to monitor schools in the area.

Craighall Park Residents' Association spokesperson Wendy McAllister said that even before the incidents, they had asked the security companies to take "special care" of the schools and make sure there was a "visible presence".

She said that last year there had been several incidents where residents were followed home from shopping malls, and that had put them on the alert.

"In line with out Public Space Security Plan, the security company looks for suspicious activity at schools and churches."

Last year, the Saturday Star revealed the existence of the so-called Rolex Gang, which preyed on wealthy Joburg residents. The gang comprised three men and two women, who did most of their hits from a navy-blue Jeep Grand Cherokee.

At the time, it was believed that the gang identified their targets in northern suburbs malls, then followed them home and pounced on them in their driveways.

Attacks occurred in upmarket Hyde Park, Houghton, Sandton, Hurlingham and Glenhazel.

Ricky Croock, business development director at CSS Tactical security services, who is familiar with the workings of the Rolex Gang, has confirmed the incidents and believes it is the same gang.

"They have the same tactics. They follow you home. You drive into your driveway and they actually pass you and stop at the driveway next door. You think nothing of it and think your neighbours are getting visitors.

"But when you pull in, they jump out and hit the sensor of the gate so that the gate opens again. The entire attack happens in your yard and not in full view of the street."

The tactical unit has been collecting information at various security and policing meetings to create awareness. "We have noticed that these guys are trying to find soft targets. This trend is a new one that people have not identified yet.

"In the mornings, mothers are so busy with the kids, schools books, bags and lunches that they are not really noticing what is going on around them, so it's easy for these groups to follow them."

Croock said schools had also become a target because it was easy for these men to sit and wait at the gates and watch without standing out.

They identify the mothers and, for example, if they are wearing slippers, they know that they have to go home to shower before they go to work.

Croock said they had deployed military-trained people who were able to identify suspicious-looking people.