Management of the Bekkersdal Police warned members of stokvel groups against being targeted as we approach the festive season.
This after a 21-year-old woman of Simunye was robbed of her stokvel savings she had been keeping at her place early on Saturday morning, October 23.
“The robbers allegedly entered the victim’s place at about 02:30. They were armed with sharp objects and demanded that she hand them the money. They also robbed the victim of two cellphones before they fled,” Sergeant Lefakane said.
In another incident on the same day at about 04:30, a 20-year-old of the Mandela Section was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash, a cellphone and even clothing items by three armed robbers.
“As we approach the festive season most groups will be starting to share their year-end savings. We therefore appeal to the community to refrain from moving around with large sums of money. We advise people to do electronic transactions to avoid these incidents,” Sergeant Lefakane warned.
People are further advised to avoid exposing themselves on social media as they may be targeted as well.
“Anyone who might help with information that could lead to the arrest of these suspects may contact the police on 08600 10111; alternatively they may send anonymous tip-offs via the my SAPS app that can be downloaded on any smartphone,” Sergeant Lefakane concluded.
