School pupils have become the ultimate target for criminals.
In a video posted on the Westdene Johannesburg Crow, two men robbed three school children who were making their way down a street. The footage shows the pupils being harassed and slapped around with their valuables being forcibly taken away from them. The incident took place on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Thornton Road.
Coordinator of Crow, Frikkie Botes said that pupils should always be alert. “Criminals are out to take anything they see as having any measure of value; pupils need to be mindful of their surroundings,” said Botes. He added that pupils are easy targets because they are not only likely to have something of great use to them, they are also less likely to aggressively fight back.
In a separate incident which took place on 5th Avenue, a university student, who wanted to remain anonymous for her safety, recalled her brush with criminals. She said that on 26 May, she made her way back home from university and was targeted. “On this day, I walked by myself, when usually I am with my friends,” she said. She recalled that around 3pm while she was walking, she spotted four men in a car. “Two of the men came out of the car and pointed a gun at me, they took my bag, which had money and my books,” she said. “I am traumatised since the whole incident took place and I do not feel safe.” She said that out of fear of the criminals targeting her again, she has not opened a case with the police.
Gauteng Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Kay Makhubela said pupils and students alike are easy targets if they are seen walking by themselves. “They must be vigilant, and walk on roads that are not too quiet and where people are found walking on regularly,” said Lt Makhubela. He expressed that people should never feel hesitant to report any suspicious people they may spot.
Botes concluded that although every day is a new battle, he has not lost hope in his community. He believes that the neighbourhood will eventually galvanise itself and work together to get rid of criminals.
