Robbers Attack Witbank Casino

July 4 - While casino resorts and complexes usually offer South Africans a welcome respite from the crime-ridden realities of their daily lives, it seems that violence has also reached these boundaries.

The Ridge Casino in Witbank was the scene of an ugly crime over the weekend when armed robbers stormed the place and demanded money from the staff were on the premises.

The Mpumalanga police said on Monday that the Witbank casino was held up and an undisclosed amount of cash was taken from staff members.

As the robbers made off with the cash in hand, they turned to shoot outside the casino, with one casualty being reported.

Superintendent Abie Khoabane of the police force said: "They fired shots randomly once outside the casino."

As they fled the scene, a security guard was shot and injured. He was taken to a local hospital where he was described to be in stable condition.

Besides staff, there are also many guests at the Witbank casino at the time of the robbery, many of them were traumatized by the incident. Counselors from the Victim Support Counselor were called in to offer assistance to staff and guests at the location.

The Mpumalanage police said no arrests had just yet, although the case is being investigated.

The Ridge Casino is a much sought-after gambling location in the Witbank area, offering players over 380 slot machines on the main floor and a further 120 in a specially designated smoking area. There are also several exciting table game offerings.

The Ridge Casino is part of a larger entertainment resort that comprises a hotel, restaurants and other leisure activities.

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