Several members of the community, including neighbouring retailers around the ANZ Bank Papatoetoe, South Auckland - a hub of the Kiwi-Indian community - have been left stunned by the broad daylight armed robbery where a gun was presented and money looted from an unfortunate individual coming out of the branch.
Haseeb Ashraf Chaudhary, a lawyer who works locally, posted on his Facebook, "The local ANZ Bank in Papatoetoe just down the road was looted this afternoon. The Law and Order situation is becoming more and more precarious by the day. It's a request to please look after your families and take as much precaution as possible to avoid certain situations and places."
Another retailer just on the opposite side of the ANZ Bank told the Indian Weekender (on the condition of anonymity) that they heard loud sounds of yelling and shouting, which brought them to the front door, only to be surprised to see a few people posing as if they had a gun. Someone was kneeling with their hands raised.
"We just got scared of the situation and went back inside to ensure the safety of our staff and customers," the retailer said.
Police confirm that a gun was "presented" in the incident.
Meanwhile, the police have confirmed that such an incident of an armed robbery was reported and have begun an investigation.
Responding to the Indian Weekender's enquiry, Detective Senior Sergeant Veronica McPherson, Counties Manukau CIB, said, "Police are currently investigating an incident on Great South Road, Papatoetoe, which occurred this afternoon.
"Around 1 pm, Police received multiple reports of a robbery at a retail address, where a weapon was allegedly presented.
Two males have fled from the scene in a green 1997 Subaru Forester, which has been located abandoned nearby in Papatoetoe.
At this stage, no arrests have been made, and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
The police are reviewing available CCTV footage and speaking with several witnesses.
Anyone with information which may assist Police is asked to contact us on 105, quoting job number P051197703.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Local retailers are scared of daring "loot."
Raj Chand, Vice President of Hunters Corner Business Association, told the Indian Weekender that there was a sense of "fear and frustration: within the retailer community around Hunters Corner - a hub of Indian businesses in the region.
"I have been inundated with phone calls from many retailers in the vicinity sharing their fear and frustration with the growing law and order nuisance, which adds to the cost of doing business, which is already struggling under the impact of Covid, staff shortage, rising inflation etc.," Mr Chand said.
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