Durban - Staff at a Durban radio station were held up at their Overport office by at least five armed men on Sunday night.
The Islamic radio station Radio Al-Ansaar, which operates from West Road, was drawing a close to a trade fair, as the holy month of Ramadaan was coming to an end with the celebration of Eid at the weekend.
Staff were gathering for a braai when the armed men entered the premises. Some staff members were attacked and donation monies, cellphones and personal items were stolen.
A social network message said six armed men fled in a black Nissan X-trail with tinted windows and no number plates.
One man entered the radio studio while the station’s director, Riaz Jamal, was on air. He announced at that moment that they were being held up.
Police spokesman Colonel Jay Naicker said the incident took place around 9pm.
“Four to five men robbed the station and took cash and small items before leaving.”
He said there were unconfirmed reports that the suspects fled in a vehicle or on foot.
A presenter Salma Kazi said that the armed men broke into cupboards, took items and some of the charity money.
“Some of the girls were traumatised and crying, at least two girls were hit by the suspects,” Kazi said.
A police source said one man, who had fled was apprehended by police.
Naicker could not confirm the arrest. The police source said four men entered the station while two stood watch at the gates.
“They were all armed, they stole R16 000 from a charity box, and R10 000 from an elderly man.” - The Mercury