Luck In Short Supply At Gold Reef City

August 27 - South African casinos continue to be targets of the underworld as yet another robbery ended tragically this week.

What was especially frightening about this week's attack is that it took place in broad daylight on a regular Saturday morning, when families regularly visit the casino resort and make use of the many popular amenities on site.

The drama began on Saturday morning when eight armed robbers entered the popular Gold Reef City hotel and casino resort and held up staff and patrons at the location at approximately 8 am.

A police spokesperson, Thambi Nkhwashu said: "They first tied the security guard and took his firearm and radio. They then proceeded to the casino where they held the staff at gunpoint robbing them of cash, and during the time one of the employees was shot and apparently died at the scene."

In a later statement, Nkhwashu said: "Unfortunately, a cashier was shot and fatally wounded. She was in her 30's".

It was later revealed that the victim was Gloria Moropane, a mother of three, who had worked at Gold Reef City for over a decade. Her youngest child is only 10.

The robbers managed to escape Gold Reef City with an undisclosed amount of money.

Joan Jacobs, who works as the casino's marketing manager, said medical teams were on the scene within minutes and that guests and staff were offered counseling after the incident.

"Our condolences go out to Gloria's family at this tragic time," she said. "We share their grief and anguish."

Meanwhile, the police have warned the public not to approach the gang of robbers if they come across them. "They are extremely dangerous and heavily armed," said Nkhwashu.

Similar robberies have taken place over the past few months at locations around the country, leading more and more South Africans to take up their gambling fun online at a number of excellent sites on the internet.

Read our Gold Reef City casino review. It's a lot safer than working there.

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