Property crime spikes in Botha’s Hill

THE Botha’s Hill crime spree continues as several robberies were reported in the area last week.

Lt France Mkhize, of the Hillcrest SAPS, confirmed that two robberies occurred on Old Main Road. On Tuesday 20 May several thieves entered a general store at 3.30am, after breaking a window and forcing the burglar bars open. They stole a radio and a kettle. The following day (Wednesday 21 May) robbers also entered a liquor store through the roof at approximately 12.30am and stole an unknown amount of liquor.

It was also reported that two house robberies occurred on the Wednesday. It was alleged that at 2pm five men attempted to enter a home on Baharas Road through the roof. A neighbour’s domestic witnessed their activities and pressed the panic button, causing the men to flee.

The second house robbery occurred at 4.40pm on Mkhize Road. Several men allegedly broke a window, but fled the scene before they could steal anything.

Steven King, of SecureLink and Waterfall Crime Watch, also reported that a hijacking occurred on Saturday 24 May on Old Main Road. According to witnesses one armed man and his two accomplices forced a resident out of his vehicle and fled towards Drummond. The vehicle has not been recovered.

Mkhize said, “We have noticed a surge in property crimes in Botha’s Hill. We have increased the patrols to curb the incidents. The Crime Prevention Unit is also focusing on that area.”

SAPS could not provide any details regarding the incidents, as they are under investigation.

“We cannot confirm that the incidents are related or that there is a syndicate operating in the area, as we have not made any arrests,” said Mkhize.

This follows a series of violent crimes, where a 62-year-old woman was stabbed, a 83-year-old man shot and two siblings were held up at knife point two weeks ago.