Local police have issued a warning to the public about a rise in crime in Brakpan, urging residents to remain vigilant.

“This alert is to enhance public safety and foster community involvement in crime prevention,” said Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer, Constable Audrey Buthelezi.

“We want to assist the public to understand the nature and scope of the crimes in Brakpan so that they can take informed actions to protect themselves and those around them.”

She added that crime alerts form part of a proactive policing approach, helping to prevent incidents while also strengthening trust and confidence between the community and law enforcement.

• Hijackings
  Recent incidents of car hijackings and attempted car hijackings were reported in Brenthurst and the CBD, between 19:00 and 20:00.
  One identified vehicle used in the commission of the crime is a black Toyota Yaris with two to three male occupants.
• House robberies
  A family in Brakpan North was robbed of their valuables after opening their gate to three women who were well dressed and pretended to be church members. The trio was travelling in a silver Suzuki sedan with registration number MD44DH GP.

In a separate incident, a case of house robbery and attempted murder was registered after a family in Leachville experienced a traumatic incident when criminals entered their home, stole their valuables, including money via a cellphone banking app, and shot the father twice in the upper body.

“The robbers fled in a silver blue sedan with an unknown registration, leaving a nine-year-old child and the entire family traumatised. The father was rushed to hospital,” said Buthelezi.

• Business robbery
  Goods amounting to R351 500 were stolen from a Station Road business after two men pretended to be lost and asked for directions from the business manager.

They then tied him up in the office before loading stock and fleeing in an unknown vehicle. The robbery took place between 17:00 and 18:00 on a Sunday.

“Criminals target the businesses towards closing time, as they know it’s not busy,” said Buthelezi.

• Fraud
  Regardless of repeated warnings and awareness about internet fraud, local police are still recording an influx of Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp fraud cases.

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“The modus operandi is still the same, but most people are still falling prey to these fraudsters. Police are urging the public to refrain from paying for non-existent cheap items they see on social media platforms,” said Buthelezi.

“The same is said for online banking fraud. The bank will never ask you to send or reveal your PIN telephonically. Never give away your banking credentials to anyone. Physically visit your bank branch, and report any suspicions.”

• Kidnapping and robbery
  Police have raised the alarm over reports of robbers poisoning victims. According to Buthelezi, one victim was robbed and left unconscious in the Brakpan Cemetery after an unknown man bumped into her at a shopping centre in Springs.

“After the woman received help and was taken back home, she started vomiting and showing signs of a stroke. She was transported by ambulance to hospital, where she is currently in the intensive care unit with poisoning as a diagnosis,” she said.

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There are also reports of a man pretending to be a prophet and robbing unsuspecting victims.

“Community members are requested to not entertain strangers on the streets, in shopping centres and malls, in public places, on public transport, and even in churches,” said Buthelezi.

“Criminals will go to the lowest levels just to get what they want, and they do not care whether they leave you alive or dead. People should practice vigilance and always look out for one another.”

Buthelezi emphasised that police remain actively engaged in crime prevention and public safety initiatives, working closely with community structures.

“There is an active CPF working together with local stakeholders in local policing. Within the Brakpan area, the adoption of community policing in previous months not only turned around the crime situation, but proved that when the SAPS and community members join forces, no criminal forces will prosper,” she said.

“Community involvement is crucial for the success of such initiatives as it helps to strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery.”