‘Everyone just stood there and did nothing’ – SABC crew tells of Alex robbery
South African Broadcasting Corporation reporter Natasha Phiri and cameraman Sbu Mcedane were robbed in broad daylight in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, people were just watching us and doing nothing,” Phiri told Jacaranda FM News on Tuesday.
Four gunmen approached the pair who were reporting from the protest-hit community.
A camera was stolen during the robbery, while the suspects failed to hijack their vehicle.
“I was inside the car, he was outside. Four men approached him. One of the gentlemen came to me and said I should give him my car keys and belongings. That is when I lost it, I started screaming for help,” Phiri said.
“It happened so fast. They pulled out guns on us. The emotions of rage but also sad – the same people you trying to help are doing this to us.”
The SABC has issued a statement, condemning the incident in the strongest possible terms.