Vosloorus SAPS has raised concerns about the hike in various crimes affecting the residents and businesses in the Vosloorus informal settlement.

The station’s media liaison officer Constable Nompumelelo Nhlapo said as SAPS they are experiencing more robberies which target businesses, taverns, shebeens, spaza shops, doctor and lawyer consulting rooms as well as hair salons.

Other crimes include common robberies affecting residents, carjacking and assault GBH.

Nhlapo said it is evident that criminals are desperate and will do anything to get money.

“Money droppings and scam syndicates comprised of males and females are also targeting unsuspecting shoppers by luring them into their web, some criminals even pretend to be church leaders or pastors,” said Nhlapo.

“We appeal to the community to assist us to curb these crimes by being our eyes and ears by supplying us with information for us to be able to arrest the offenders.”

Nhlapo shared details of a hijacking case where a 33-year-old female hijacked a Ford Focus vehicle at gunpoint along the N3 Freeway at Ext Six Ponong.

She said the complainant alleged while she was driving along the N3 freeway from Durban to Witbank she gave a lift to a male and a female along the way and they told her to drop them off at Vosloorus.

“When they arrived at Vosloorus, the male asked her to switch on the light so he can give her money for the trip. He gave her R100,” said Nhlapo.

“She heard a bang on the vehicle. Three armed males got into her car and instructed her and her friend Lucky to move to the back seat. They drove with them and left them in an open field with their hands tied.

“The criminals took cash, cellphones and bank cards and withdrew money. There were bags with clothes inside estimated to cost R5 500. The car is a Ford Focus and is insured for R120 000.”

She explained that no shots were fired and the complainants did not sustain any injuries.

“The complainant cannot identify the suspects and their vehicle. He was speaking isiZulu,” she said.

Another case happened at 11774 Roets Drive Ext 14 Vosloorus where a businesswoman was robbed at her salon on August 23.

According to the police report, two unknown men came to the salon and asked about the prices. After a friend of the complainant responded one of them pulled up his T-shirt and showed them his firearm.

They instructed them not to scream or move. They took cash and cellphones including an iPhone 12 worth R15 300 and a black Mobicell S1 before locking them inside the salon and leaving.

Nhlapo said the suspects are unknown and have not been arrested.

Vosloorus SAPS compiled safety tips to assist the community in avoiding falling victim to crime.

Cash and business robberies safety tips

Nhlapo said small businesses that are cash based and need to deposit money regularly the bank should apply the shared tips to minimize the chances of being a victim.

• Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash.

• Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.

• Do not openly display you are depositing while you are standing in a queue.

• Avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your receipt book.

• It is advisable to identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognizable or detected.

• If the amount of cash you regularly deposit is increasing as your business grows consider a cash management company.

• Refrain from giving wages to contract or casual labourers in full view of the public. Rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank.

• Refrain from driving to the bank in your branded company car on a typical payday.

• Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourer’s personal bank accounts.

Armed robbery prevention tips

Nhlapo explained that armed robbery is one of the most serious and potentially dangerous crimes committed in Vosloorus.

She said a robber commits a hold-up because they believe that the profit will be worth the risk. By decreasing the possible profit and increasing the risk of apprehension, potential victims of an armed robbery, she added.

“Personal safety is always the most important consideration when planning to react to an armed robbery. Businesses must take the possibility of robbery on their premises as a reality and should prioritize security training in their programs.”

• Have at least two employees present during the opening and closing times.

• When opening, inspect the business for forcible entry before entering the business premises.

• One employee should search the premises before admitting others.

• At closing time, make sure no one is hiding on the business premises.

• Keep a minimum of easily accessible cash on hand, both in the cash drawer and in the safe.

• Do not open the safe too often.

• Employees should not count large amounts of cash in areas visible to the public or other employees.

• Exercise caution when making bank deposits, make deposits during daylight hours with more than one person.

• Use different routes and times to go to the bank, do not make any stops along the way.

• Vary the personnel and vehicle-making deposits and always hide the currency bag in another container.

Hijacking safety tips

• Always park in a safe and well-lit area.

• Avoid sitting in the car at night, criminals are taking advantage of unsuspecting motorists.

• Always ensure that your doors are locked and windows are closed. Check the backseat before getting into the car even if you left it locked.

• Do not resist, fight or argue as this can result in injury or death, remember your life and the lives of your loved ones cannot be replaced.

• Changing your route can give you a fifty per cent chance of not becoming a victim. You have to leave from the same place every morning, but you should change your route from your house to your destination.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and look out for anything suspicious. Be observant, look far ahead and what is going on around you at the intersection at night.

Nhlapo said SAPS it is important for them as SAPS to focus on hotspots and focus on prevention.

She emphasised that it is vital to be as proactive and reactive as possible, but treat male and female violence as the same issue, and that their focus is on gun control and violence as a priority.

“Keep in mind the impact of drugs, poverty and alcohol abuse are the main reasons the perpetrators commit these violent crimes,” said Nhlapo.

“As SAPS we are running medication and awareness campaigns on the community’s role in fighting crime,” she continued.

“We are mobilising civil society organisations and the community to become active members of the community police forum to support the police in crime prevention initiatives and monitoring police service delivery.”

To report crime activities contact the Vosloorus SAPS customer service centre commander on 076 2052 043 or 011 9600 264.

The public can also contact the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or the SAPS emergency line at 10111.