Police warn against quick-grab muggers

Muggings and thefts are once again on the rise in the city and more cases are reported daily at Witbank Police Station.

On Wednesday, September 10 a man told police how he had been robbed of his cell phone and other possessions when he stopped near a filling station.

The man was in the Central Business District (CBD) and had just parked his car in a parking lot when five men approached his vehicle.
The man was allegedly talking on his phone and did not at first notice the men until they where standing at his vehicle. He reported that one suspect was armed with a knife and another with a screwdriver that they used to threaten and force him to hand over his possessions.

Earlier that day another case was reported. A man was on his way to work and waiting for transport, when four men approached him. The man, waiting at the N4 off-ramp to Nelspruit, was also allegedly talking on his phone when the suspects grabbed him, taking his cell phone and all his other belongings.
“People must be aware and not carry too much cash or expensive items when walking to work or home,” Const. David Ratau, spokesperson for Witbank SAPS, warned.

He explained that it is better to prevent thefts and muggings by not having expensive goods in one’s possession.
“It is also better to use public transport rather than hiking. It remains important then also not to take expensive possessions with you.”