A peaceful night turned harrowing for families at a McDonald’s in Durbanville when armed robbers targeted two vehicles in the restaurant’s drive-through lane, leaving victims injured and traumatised.
The incidents unfolded last Saturdayat the New Street McDonald’s, where two separate armed robberies took place within 20 minutes of each other, sparking outrage over fast-food outlet security in Cape Town’s northern suburbs.
Father and son attacked
Shortly after 19:00, a man and his young son were ambushed while placing an order.
As the father leaned out of the window, a suspect struck him in the face with a revolver, while another approached and fired shots.
The terrified father told his son to lie flat in the back seat as the assailants made off with his wallet and cellphone.
After reversing out of the lane, the victim reported the crime at Durbanville Police Station and was later treated in hospital for facial injuries and shock.
R500 worth of transactions were allegedly made on his bank cards before he could cancel them.
Second incident minutes earlier
A woman described how her mother-in-law had also been targeted just 20 minutes prior.
While waiting in the same drive-through, three men smashed her car window and attempted to rob her.
She managed to escape by sounding the hooter and driving off, unharmed.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a case of armed robbery is under active investigation.
Colonel Gonum Munsamy, station commander, labelled the incidents as high-priority and urged the public to share any information that could assist.
Criticism of McDonald’s response
Families have voiced serious frustration over McDonald’s alleged inaction.
Staff at the branch reportedly did not contact police, leaving victims to report the crimes themselves.
Repeated attempts to engage McDonald’s management and corporate offices have so far gone unanswered.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app to submit tips anonymously.
“We’re just grateful they weren’t killed,” said the wife of one victim.
“But this could’ve ended much worse, and it’s unacceptable that businesses are not doing more to protect their customers.”
Do you feel safe when ‘trapped’ in the drive-through lane of any fast-food outlet?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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