Robberies on the rise at public parks in Polokwane
Public parks in the city increasingly pose a safety risk for residents, with several cases having been reported in recent weeks.
POLOKWANE – One local resident who contacted Polokwane Observer says she was robbed of her possessions while sitting in her vehicle at the park opposite Tom Naudé Technical High School some time after 17:00 on November 15.
She said she was approached by an armed man wearing a winter hat and a buff. “He did not come across as suspicious as everyone wears as mask. He spoke to us politely and asked that we hand over our phones and car keys. Once he had the keys, he held on to them and demanded that we hand over all valuable possessions which he put into the backpack he was carrying.”
The woman says the man then threw her car keys under the vehicle and demanded that she and her friend close their eyes and wait 15 minutes before alighting from the vehicle to look for the keys.
“He walked away and at that moment we were just glad that our lives were not in danger and that he did not take the car. The man got away with almost R400 in cash along with three cellphones and jewellery. It took some time before we were able to get the keys and we immediately went to the police station,” she says.
The woman says the incident took place in full view of others park visitors, but they were unaware of the robbery as the incident was not violent in any way.
“We also couldn’t scream because this isn’t something you expect to happen at a public park, early in the evening. We also did not want to anger him by causing a scene. At the end of the day, what matters is that we got away unharmed.”
Another incident was reported to an emergency group where a resident detailed the same experience, while another incident was reported in the CBD where a group was robbed while sitting in their car – also by a person who threw their car keys under the car before fleeing.
Community Policing Forum chairperson, Francois Swart says they have received several reports on the issue from the police, but that no further information can be furnished as the matter is still under investigation.
“Local parks are becoming a security issue and we have had several complaints varying from public drinking, drug use and now, robberies.”
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo is yet to confirm if any cases had been opened.
