The Benoni police urge the community and especially school children to be vigilant when walking along Voortrekker Street, First Street and 14th Avenue, in Northmead.
This comes after an increase in the number of robberies reported.
Two arrests have been made in connection with recent stabbings of pedestrians.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said the robbers usually walk in pairs or a group of three and are armed with knives.
The robberies occur at any time of the day.
“It is alleged that learners who have school laptops are being targeted. We have increased visibility in these areas,” Sekele said.
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On August 25, a 28-year old man was arrested in Voortrekker Street at around 15:30 after he stabbed and robbed a male pedestrian.
His accomplice ran away with the stolen cellphone. The victim was stabbed in the upper body and taken to hospital for treatment.
Police are still investigating whether this suspect was involved in other recent robberies.
A case of armed robbery was opened at the station.
On August 27, another man, believed to be in his late 20’s, was arrested after stabbing a pedestrian in Third Avenue, Northmead, at around 15:00.
Police are still establishing the motive behind the stabbing. Sekele said they are investigating a case of assault GBH and if the suspect is linked to the other robberies.
On August 23, a parent was robbed while waiting for her child in Beryl Street, Goedeburg, at around 14:11.
Sekele said the woman was in her vehicle in a parking area.
“She was approached by three men, one armed with a firearm. They threatened her and stole her handbag, cellphone and jewellery,” she said.
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On the same day, according to a local WhatsApp crime group, two learners were robbed at gunpoint while walking home from school in Third Avenue, Northmead, at around 14:30, however, Sekele said the incident was not reported to the police.
She confirmed crime prevention officers will be deployed to hotspots and police visibility will be increased.
There has also been an increase in housebreak ins in Northmead and Farrarmere since the beginning of August, Sekele added.
“Police urge residents and businesses to take extra security precautions to protect their properties and to report all crime to the police,” she said.
Safety tips for the public:
- Keep valuables out of sight when driving or walking.
- Plan your route and walk in well-lit, busy areas.
- Be aware of strange people or cars approaching.
- Carry your bag around your neck and diagonally across your body.
- Avoid walking with earphones in.
- Know all emergency numbers and always trust your instinct.
