THE KZN SAPS issued a statement offering timely advice to stokvel clubs ahead of the festive season to ensure that they do not fall victim to criminals. According to the statement, stokvel-related robberies and thefts are most prevalent at this time of the year and the clubs are urged to be proactive and adopt reasonable measures to safeguard their money.
“Instead of withdrawing large amounts of cash from the banks to pay out money to their members, they should rather transfer the money into their members’ bank accounts. Those members who do not have bank accounts should be encouraged to open them.”
“Clubs that have to pay cash to their members, a practice that is inadvisable, should ensure that they have a secure venue with adequate safety measures in place when dividing and paying members their share of the year’s savings,” said corporate communications officer, Col Thembeka Mbhele.
She also warned that members of stokvel clubs should be vigilant and take precautions to safeguard their money when making withdrawals at the ATMs.
“They should not withdraw large amounts of money, especially after hours when the streets are quiet and criminals are likely to be lurking around, but rather use the ATMs at shopping malls during business hours when it is safer or where there are security officials on duty,” said Col Mbhele.
