TZANEEN CBD: ‘A gangster’s paradise’
A gang of young thugs are reportedly terrorising shoppers in the Tzaneen Central Business District (CBD) on a daily basis.
This according to businessmen in Danie Joubert street.
The street gang is allegedly to blame for a string of crimes. They are reportedly pickpocketing and robbing people in broad daylight.
A businessman told the HERALD that they are fed up with the criminal activities they witness every day.
Pickpocketing is getting out of hand and raises huge concerns in the CBD.
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“Danie Jobert street has become a gangster’s paradise, especially when one notices how brazenly these pickpocketers operate in broad daylight,” stated a concerned owner of one of the shops.
The incidents are occuring on a daily basis but seem to escalate over weekends and at month end.
Shop owners are worried about how it may affect prospective business. It seems to be the work of organised syndicates whereby the loot is being sold back to the vendors who operate within the area.
Efforts to get help from the police have been allegedly fruitless as the culprits end up back on the street in a matter of days, despite multiple arrests being made, the HERALD was told.
According to another shop owner, the modus operandi is simple.
The culprits are operating in groups of two to three pretending to be helpers, some actually stand still partially blocking the entrance into shops and commit the crimes as innocent shoppers attempt to squeeze past them.
The businessmen recall an incident whereby a women was physically attacked by four men who attempted to rob her of her belongings. Fortunately, she managed to escape. At the time of going to press, the police could not be reached for comment.
