Nyanga Library staff were left traumatised following an armed robbery at the library on Friday 17 June.
It is alleged that armed men held a security guard at gunpoint at the gate before proceeding inside the facility. They then robbed staff and patrons.
Among other things they allegedly stole computers, television sets and cellphones.
They reportedly drove away in a white bakkie.
When City Vision visited the library on Monday morning 20 June staff were still reliving the trauma and incredulous over the assault on the library.
The robbery which took place just before the library closed, and was not to the first such incident.
Chair of Friends of Nyanga Library Khwezi Tyatyam agreed that the staff and patrons at the library were left traumatised.
“The culprits came well prepared for what they came to do,” he said, also providing details of the incident. “Unlike this one, the previous one was a burglary that took place at night.”
Tyatyam believes this robbery may have a negative impact on the library as a community resource, because many people may not want to use it, seeing it as vulnerable to attacks. Others have used the library for different things, and are unable to do so because of this robbery.
“People looking for employment come to check their emails on a daily basis, and now this has happened,” Tyatyam said. “All those people who use the library for certain purposes are now affected.”
Patricia van der Ross, Maycome member for community services and health, confirmed that an armed robbery took place at the library.
“The robbers got away with numerous items, including computers and a television set,” she said. “The matter is with the police for investigation.”
Van der Ross said the library has since reopened, but staff were still very traumatised after the incident and were receiving counselling through the City’s Employee Assistance Programme.
Brig Vuyisile Ncata, Nyanga Police Station commander confirmed the burglary incident at Nyanga Library.
He said they have taken witness statements and are yet to arrest the suspects.
Ncata said a case of business robbery has been opened against the supsects that were brandishing firearms.