Police spokesperson Capt Mack Mngomezulu warned that the festive season has arrived and, while everyone is spending money, “the vultures are also hunting places where they can find money”.
He said that ATMs, banks and stokvel clubs become the hunting places for the criminals during this time of the year.
“People become victims of robberies and some even lose their lives as a result,” he said.
Mngomezulu added that criminals target people who withdraw large sums of money from the banks and attack them immediately after they leave the bank.
“In most cases victims are followed to the bank and when leaving the bank,” he said.
He shared the following prevention tips:
- Do all in your power to transfer cash electronically and avoid bank or ATM withdrawals.
- If you really have to withdraw money, request an escort to and from the bank, either by security or your local police if possible, avoid going alone to withdraw cash.
- Avoid strangers and people who want to assist at ATMs at all cost
- Avoid withdrawing money on busy days like month-end, Fridays or Saturdays.
- If you are in charge of a stokvel club’s funds, don’t inform the club members on which day you are going to withdraw the cash.
- Avoid always using the same bank or route.
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