SAPS warns of drink-spiking syndicates targeting men and women
Police warn that criminals are using drink-spiking tactics in clubs, taverns, and nightspots, targeting both men and women. Patrons are urged to stay alert, watch their drinks, and plan safe transport.
As the new calendar year gets into full swing, the SAPS urges the public to remain extra vigilant when visiting various establishments.
The SAPS has picked up on a modus operandi that is being utilised by syndicates to rob mainly men of their belongings.
National Spokesperson of the SAPS, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said during the festive season, the SAPS has noted a number of cases reported in various parts of the country, like Gauteng and the North West, where men who left with women from drinking places would end up being robbed or, in some instances, killed.
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These syndicates use young women to target men in clubs, taverns, concerts, and other alcohol establishments.
The main syndicate would monitor these females’ movements and assist them in identifying a potential target within the drinking establishment.
Once the target has been identified, the women would move in, often promising to leave with the unsuspecting victim to another drinking place, their home, a hotel, or even a guesthouse.
During that period, these women would often spike the men’s drinks.
Once the victim has been spiked, the syndicate moves in to rob the victim, often taking their cars, cellphones and money in their possession.
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In some unfortunate instances, some men have died as a result of an overdose of what has been used to spike them.
Men are therefore warned to be extra vigilant and to avoid being targets at these drinking outlets.
The SAPS strongly advises against picking up strangers at drinking outlets and leaving with them.
Women are also urged not to involve themselves in criminal activity, as such often leads to an imminent arrest.
Women are also victims of spiked drinks
A number of cases have been reported nationwide of women who have been found raped, assaulted, or dead while coming back from taverns, shebeens, nightclubs, and other places of recreation.
“Some are picked up by strangers at these drinking outlets and some even leave with their intimate partners or other people known to them. Some of these women victims are found brutally assaulted and some murdered,” said Mathe.
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“Women are urged not to fall prey to these men who target women for their own motives. Spiking, regardless of the victim’s gender, is a serious crime with severe physical and psychological consequences,” said Mathe.
The following tips can be utilised by both men and women
When you go out, go out with people that you know, often friends, stay together and watch out for each other.
Always share your plans with someone you trust. This will include where you are going and when you plan on returning. Always put your location on so it’s easier for families or police to find you.
“When out drinking, never leave your drink unattended, don’t drink and drive, limit your alcohol intake, and always have water.
Plan for proper transportation to and from the place of leisure to avoid spending time in police holding cells for drunken driving,” said Mathe.
With this warning, the SAPS urges everyone in the country to be extra vigilant, avoid carrying large amounts of money, avoid drinking and driving and be alert at all times as law enforcement agencies remain on the ground to keep everyone safe.
