Visible policing and foot patrols proof to be effective in fighting crime
Visible policing resulted in a noticeable reduction of crime, especially in the central business district of Nigel over the festive season.
According to Captain Zacharia Nkabelane (VISPOL commander at SAPS Nigel) all sector managers, police patrollers, the NCOP and CPF patrollers worked 24/7 in ensuring the safety of the community during December and apart from one murder case, no other serious crimes have been reported to SAPS Nigel.
The following incidents were reported in Sector 1 between 25 December and January 1:
An armed robbery occurred at a supermarket in Northern Road (Sector 1) on December 22 when three suspects entered the shop around 17:00. The owner, his family members and customers were forced to the back of the shop where they were pushed to lie down on the floor and tied up. The suspects made off with around R8 000 cash and cellphones to the value of around R5 800. They also took cigarettes worth around R2 000.
A break-in occurred in Athlone Street on December 25. Several household items to the value of around R12 000 were stolen. Another break-in occurred at the adjacent house the same day. Household items to the value of around R20 000 were stolen. No arrests have been made yet.
Police arrested one person for breaking and entering a business property in Kerk Street. The suspect was arrested shortly after a burglary at Nissan Motors on December 26. He is expected to appear in Nigel Magistrate’s Court soon.
A suspect was arrested in Main Street for being in possession of live ammunition on December 26. Police are investigating a burglary which occurred at a residence in Chamberlain Street on December 27. Jewellery and household items valued at around R50 000 were stolen.
A burglary occurred at a residence in Baldwin Street on December 27. Several household items to the value of around R2 500 were stolen.
A house break-in occurred at a residence in Windsor Street on December 29. Household items to the value of around R9 500 were stolen. Two people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. They are expected to appear in Nigel Magistrate’s Court soon.
The following incidents were reported in Sector 2 between 25 December and January 1:
Police are investigating an alleged rape which occurred in an open veld next the Blesbokspruit towards Alrapark on December 30. A young female claimed she was walking to her house after leaving a local tavern, when four men appeared from nowhere and sexually assaulted her. No arrests have been made.
Police are investigating a murder which took place in Alrapark on January 1. A 42-year old man was stabbed in the chest at a local tavern. No arrests have been made.
The following incidents were reported in Sector 3 between 25 December and January 1:
Police are investigating a stock theft case, following an incident that occurred at Droogebult Farm on December 25. 14 Sheep were stolen. No arrests have been made.
One person was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Vorsterskroon on December 29. He is expected to appear in Nigel Magistrate’s Court soon.
