According to Sgt Nellie Dwaba, several alcohol-related incidents such as assault, malicious damage to property and even attempted murder have been reported since the lifting of the alcohol ban.
“We have seen a significant increase in crime the last two weeks, compared to the first month of lockdown,” Sgt Dwaba said.
She added that SAPS Nigel is investigating a case of malicious damage to property, after an incident that occurred at a house in Alrapark on June 14 where an intoxicated male first assaulted his sister, before setting fire to her furniture. He was arrested and expected to appear in Nigel Magistrate’s Court on June 18.
A family living on a plot at Langzeekoegat was allegedly attacked by a group of men on June 13. The victims claimed they were stabbed with knives, while others were attacked with pangas. Sgt Dwaba said a case of attempted murder has been opened, but the investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made.
Police are also investigating a case of theft, following an incident at a construction site in Peach Street, Alrapark on June 16 where a ladder worth around R1 800 was reported stolen.
Another spike police are concerned about, is motor vehicle theft. In the most recent incident, a white Toyota Etios was stolen at The Angelo Mall on June 14.
Police are also investigating the death of two people who died on June 14. The first incident is a security guard who had worked the night shift at the Game Park in Visagiepark. His body was discovered inside the guardhouse by the day shift crew.
“It was found that the man had died from smoke inhalation after making a fire and falling asleep,” Sgt Dwaba said.
The second death occurred at a house in Alrapark where the body of a young male was discovered by his mother inside the bathroom.
“It is alleged that he died from a drug overdose,” Sgt Dwaba concluded.
Report crime by phoning SAPS Nigel on 011 812 6503 or the sector vehicles namely Sector 1 on 071 675 7021; Sector 2 on 071 675 7022 or Sector 3 on 071 675 7023.
You can also phone Nigel Community on Patrol (NCOP) on 065 170 2859.
