The Bekkersdal Police have warned the community that home invasions appear to be on the rise and have become a cause for concern.
According to Seargent Linkie Lefakane, Bekkersdal Police spokesperson, “We have noted with concern an increase in the number of incidents in which people are attacked by unknown suspects in their homes.”
The warning follows two incidents that occurred in Simunye Extension 5.
She said the first incident took place on Ekhuthukeni Street at about 11.45pm on Sunday, 10 March.
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“A victim was awoken by a sound of someone forcing open the door. He saw a man wearing a balaclava and locked himself into his bedroom. He then heard how the suspect ransacked his house and later when it became quite, he opened the door and discovered that his plasma TV had been taken.”
She added that the second incident took place on Kopanang Street at about 11pm on Monday, 11 March, and was more violent.
“The victims heard noises at the door followed by a loud bang. Two men armed with firearms broke the door open and immediately threatened them with firearms. The men demanded money and when they could not find any, started assaulting the victims with the crowbar they had used to force open the door. They ransacked the house before fleeing on foot.”
Lefakane warned that the suspects are still at large and said an investigation has been launched.
Colonel Tinus Swart, the Bekkersdal Police station commander, appealed to the community to be alert and on the look out for home invasions in the Simunye area.
“We urge the community to form community structures to work directly with the police and advise all to report unusual activities in their areas.”
Anyone who can assist the police with information that could crack these cases can contact the Bekkersdal Police on 011 755 8040/ 8160 or alternatively contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send an anonymous SMS to 32211.
