As South Africans prepare to usher in the New Year, the SAPS has issued a strong warning to both men and women to remain vigilant when visiting taverns, nightclubs, concerts and other places of leisure.

According to National SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe the SAPS is concerned about criminal syndicates operating in various parts of the country, including Gauteng and the North West, who use drink-spiking as a means to rob, and in some cases kill, unsuspecting victims.

Modus operandi

Mathe said syndicates are using young women to lure men at alcohol-serving establishments.

“These women identify potential victims inside clubs, taverns, or concerts, often under the guidance of syndicate members monitoring their movements.”

“Once a target is identified, the woman befriends the victim and may suggest leaving together to another venue, a home, hotel, or guesthouse. During this time, the victim’s drink is often spiked,” she said.

After the victim has been drugged, syndicate members move in to rob them of valuables, including vehicles, cellphones, and cash.

“In some tragic cases, victims have died due to an overdose of substances used to spike their drinks.”

Men are urged to be especially cautious and to avoid leaving drinking establishments with strangers.

“SAPS strongly advises against picking up or going home with people met at such venues.”

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Women are also warned not to involve themselves in criminal activities, as participation in such syndicates often leads to arrest and prosecution.

Mathe also highlighted the growing number of cases involving women who become victims of drink-spiking.

“Several incidents have been reported nationwide where women were found raped, assaulted or murdered after attending parties, bashes, taverns, shebeens and nightclubs.

“In some cases, victims were picked up by strangers, while others left with people known to them, including intimate partners.”

“These crimes often result in brutal assaults and, in the worst cases, loss of life,” Mathe said.

“Drink spiking, regardless of the victim’s gender, is a serious crime with severe physical and psychological consequences,” she added.

Safety tips for men and women

SAPS urges the public to take the following precautions:

• Go out with people you know and trust, such as friends, and stay together.
• Share your plans with a trusted person, including your destination and expected return time.
• Activate location sharing on your phone to assist family or police if necessary.
• Never leave your drink unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
• Limit alcohol intake, drink water regularly, and never drink and drive.
• Plan safe and reliable transport to and from entertainment venues.