STICK UP: Alleged extortionists hold up Athlone barbershop
Image: Supplied Screenshot
Barbershops have been at the forefront of extortionists over the past week after two videos have surfaced on the internet showing armed gunmen entering barbershops and robbing the barbers and their clients in broad daylight.
According to the date on the camera footage, the incident took place on Wednesday before 6pm in Thornton Road, Sunnyside when armed robbers entered a barbershop while the barbers were busy cutting customers' hair.
The three men are seen entering the premises with guns.
The three men are then seen searching the customers pockets and drawers and putting what seems to be phones and a wallet in their pockets.
The gunmen are seen aggressively putting the victims heads down on the table and pointing and slapping one barber with a gun in his face.
One suspect can be seen closing the door and curtain and another puts a jacket over one customer's head before the men put their weapons in their pants and walk out of the barbershop.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident and a police case was opened on Thursday.
Van Wyk reports: “Athlone police registered a robbery with a firearm case following an incident on 2025-04-03 at 6pm at a premises Thornton Road, Athlone.
"According to reports, three unidentified males entered a barber shop and threatened the complainant by pointing him with a firearm and took his belongings, a cellular telephone, wallet and watch.
"Investigations continue, no arrest as yet."
Van Wyk is appealing to anyone with information regarding this incident to kindly contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Another video shows a separate incident which took place on Saturday in Ottery.
The video shows two men entering a barbershop while a barber is seen busy with a customer.
One suspect pulls out a gun and heads towards a man and grabbing him by his one arm and the two disappear from the camera.
The second suspect approaches the barber in a blue outfit but the barber shouts: "There is the police officer" and the pair is seen running out of the shop.