Community urged by police to remain vigilant
Sometimes motorists are kidnapped and forced to withdraw all their money from the bank.
Following the recent hike of crime and criminal cases not just in Thembisa, but throughout the Gauteng Province, the Ekurhuleni District Zone One Police Services, under the command of Gen Vincent Leshabane, have warned the community to be more vigilant and quick to report any suspicious and criminal activities.
Thembisa SAPS spokesperson Capt Ralidzhivha Manyadza advised community members to practise safety measures at all times.
“We would like to sensitise the community, especially motorists, to stop parking their cars on the streets while chatting with friends. Many cases of car-jacking happen while the owners of the vehicles are inside a home or building chatting with friends and operating their cellphones. While sitting inside your car, you don’t really see what is happening outside until you hear a knock on your window, and by that time it’s too late,” said Manyadza.
He said many people have been hijacked in this fashion. Sometimes motorists are kidnapped and forced to withdraw all their money from the bank.
“In most cases, females are kidnapped and later raped and killed. So our advice to those who prefer to sit in the car with friends would be to get into the yard and close the gates. Avoid by all means to park on the streets, especially at night,” he warned.
“Another serious issue is that of buying and selling goods through social media. Many innocent people have fallen prey to this kind of scam. Criminals would call and show interest in the goods advertised and even make a false cash deposits. The victims would then find out later that there was never any money deposited.
“Sometimes after seeing an item you want advertised, you quickly deposit money, thinking you are securing it. Only to find out this is just part of a scam. Never buy any items from people you don’t know because you may find the items were stolen. When police find those items with you, they will simply make the conclusion that you stole them,” said Manyadza.
“We urge the community to report any suspicious or criminal activities with urgency so the police can respond quickly and wisely,” he said.
