Durbanville McDonald’s drive-through becomes scene of armed robbery

Armed robbers shattered a peaceful night for families at a McDonald’s in Durbanville when they attacked two vehicles in the restaurant’s drive-through lane, injuring and traumatising the victims.

The robbers carried out two separate armed robberies just 20 minutes apart last Saturday at the New Street McDonald’s, sparking public outrage over the lack of security at fast-food outlets in Cape Town’s northern suburbs.

Father and son attacked

Shortly after 19:00, suspects ambushed a man and his young son while they were placing an order.

As the father leaned out of the window, one attacker struck him in the face with a revolver while another fired shots.

The terrified father told his son to lie flat in the back seat as the robbers stole his wallet and cellphone. He then reversed out of the drive-through lane, reported the incident at Durbanville Police Station, and later received treatment in hospital for facial injuries and shock.

Before he could cancel his bank cards, the suspects allegedly made R500 worth of transactions.

Second incident minutes earlier

A woman shared that robbers had targeted her mother-in-law just 20 minutes earlier.

While she waited in the same drive-through, three men smashed her car window and tried to rob her. She escaped unharmed by pressing the hooter and speeding away.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that police are actively investigating the armed robbery case.

Station commander Colonel Gonum Munsamy called the incidents high-priority and urged the public to come forward with any information that could help the investigation.

Criticism of McDonald’s response

Frustrated families have slammed McDonald’s for allegedly failing to take action after the robberies.

Reports claim staff at the branch didn’t contact the police, forcing the victims to report the crimes on their own.

Despite repeated efforts to reach McDonald’s management and corporate offices, the company has not responded.

Police have urged anyone with information to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips via the MySAPS app.

“We’re just grateful they weren’t killed,” said the wife of one victim.

“But this could’ve ended much worse, and it’s unacceptable that businesses are not doing more to protect their customers.”