Sporadic street robberies have been on the increase in Linden and surrounding areas, and it has been reported that these suspects prefer to target school children because they are less likely to resist.
Linden Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Fareed Hoosen feels that this is becoming a huge problem because the attacks are so sporadic that police and security teams struggle to establish a pattern, which will allow them to catch those responsible.
“These suspects drive around at random times and stop people walking in the road, pretending to be lost and asking for directions,” stated Hoosen. “The moment the victim looks away, a perpetrator jumps out of the car and points a firearm at the victim before demanding valuables from the victim.”
Hoosen feared that the alleged gangs doing the robberies opt for attacking children walking to or from school, “because they are easy targets and less likely to put up a fight.”
Spokesperson for Linden Police Station, Constable Carol Mulamu, responded by saying that Linden Police cannot confirm about the suspected gangs operating in the area.
“But there were common robbery cases reported at the station and police are investigating,” Mulamu said.
She continued to say that in most cases, the suspects would ask to use the complainants’ cellphone and then proceed to rob them of it.
“We advise children who walk to school, to walk in a group to avoid being targeted by criminals on the streets, and also not to walk with their cellphones visible in their hands,” concluded Mulamu.
“We urge community members to report any suspicious activities happening around them. They can call Crime Line on 08600 10111 or send an anonymous tip off to 32211.”
Details: Linden Police Station 011 888 9211
