Police are warning people against praying on the mountain close to the Wonderpark Mall, as it is a secluded crime hotspot.
The mountain near the mall along the R80 has been identified as a place of prayer, but thieves are using this is an opportunity to prey on unsuspecting victims.
Noting an increase in reports of robberies there, law enforcement agencies have expressed their concern.
Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk advised worshippers to go to their respective churches to pray and avoid praying in this spot where they might be robbed.
Crime on the R80 has been brought to light yet again, as the rate of robberies and truck hijackings have risen, prompting law enforcement to establish visible patrolling along the R80, starting on the R55 onramp up to Soshanguve.
Recently, police were on the lookout for a mother and child who had been left in a broken-down truck, while the father went to look for help. When he returned, his family was not in the vehicle.
A voice note circulating on social media believed to be from the victim in the incident recollects what occurred on the day.
The woman explained that they were on their way to Hammanskraal and when they had car trouble, they stopped. After the husband left, two men emerged from the mountain, one holding a gun, and upon reaching the vehicle, they separated to stand on both sides of the doors.
“The one with the gun told us to get out of the car and we got out. That is when we were instructed to walk towards the mountain.”
When she saw the path they were going, she left a trail for her husband by placing her shoes at different places, then dropping her child’s shoes as well to show the direction they took.
She was robbed of her wedding ring and phone and was asked to give the robbers the PIN of her banking app so they could transfer funds.
However, the thugs fled after the husband returned with the police.
The woman’s voice note was sent as a warning for other people not to fall victim to these sorts of crimes in the area.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
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