Have you ever been stopped by persistent photographers eager to take your ID photo? Mike Putter from Magaliesburg suggests that you keep walking.
On 27 May 60-year-old Putter fell victim to a crime incident next to the Department of Home Affairs building in Commissioner Street.
“One man grabbed me around the neck while another went through my pockets,” Putter said about his recent traumatising experience.
“They left my wallet, but took R800 and my cell phone.”
He explained that before he could get out of the car, a man approached him, asking if he wanted ID photos.
“I was a bit hesitant, but as I was about to apply for a new ID, I agreed.”
“He showed me down a passage to a chair and said the photos will cost me R60. I sat on the chair and he took the photos.”
When Putter got up to pay him, suddenly there were five men – including the photographer
…
It ended as quickly as it started, he said, with all five men suddenly out of sight.
Putter normally does not live in fear, but realises that he should have said no to the photographer.
Krugersdorp’s police spokesperson Tshepiso Mashale said they can not investigate this matter as a case was not opened at their station. According to Putter, Magaliesburg SAPS arranged to take his statement.
Upon contacting the Department of Home Affairs, the News found that you do not need to take ID photos beforehand. There is a booth inside the building where you can safely take the photos you need.
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