MASOYI – Despite the stern warning issued by the police minister Mr Nathi Nhleko, during the anti-stolen goods campaign in December last year, local police have confirmed a rise in business robberies and house burglaries.
According to the police, the minister’s plea had fallen on deaf ears since crime had escalated in the area.
“It looks like the campaign was in vain, but we will never tire of fighting this crime and we want to urge our community members not to resort to crime,” said Const Naniki Nonyane, adding that robberies had increased significantly during the festive season.
Ironically, during last year’s campaign, community members attended in numbers and pledged to join the police in the fight against stolen goods sales, but police are worried that the same residents could be the ones buying the goods because they are sold at lower prices.
However, several residents have denied these claims saying they think the criminals sell the goods in other areas.
“We, as a community, are fed up with crime and should we suspect any criminal activity, we won’t hesitate to notify the police,” said Mr Themba Lubisi, one of the residents.
He added they had heard what Phiyega told them when she said that a person who bought stolen goods was also a criminal and did not deserve to be in the community.
“We are not criminals and we won’t tolerate people who are trying to taint our community’s image. We are with the police in this war,” Lubisi added.
The police further warned motorists driving on the Numbi road, to exercise care, especially at night.
