Kagiso Police say they are encountering difficulties when it comes to so-called faceless rapists and robbers who prey on unsuspecting men and women.

“An increasing number of complaints of robberies involving knifes and firearms are registered weekly – rape cases too,” warned Captain Solomon Sibiya, Kagiso Police spokesperson.

He explained that perpetrators are taking advantage of the fact that everyone is expected to wear masks to prevent possible Covid-19 infection.

Two of these incidents were reported to the police station recently. In the first a woman was raped allegedly by two mask-wearing men on 13 October at about 5pm when she was on her way home from work.

She was walking alone in an open field between Extension 12 and Tshepisong West (Ebumnandini). She tried to scream but was forced into tall grass nearby and eventually raped without protection,” Sibiya explained.

One of the rapists then took out a knife and warned her not to tell anyone about what happened, as they knew that she always walked the same road to and from work.

In the second incident three mask-wearing robbers targeted a cellphone shop on 12 October at 2.30pm.

“The business robbery incident took place at Mokale shops at Riverside. About 12 cellphones and two laptops were stolen during the robbery.”

Two of the suspects were armed with firearms.

The Kagiso Police wish to warn residents about walking alone in open spaces or fields.

It makes it easier for criminals to either rob or rape them, whether during the day or at night. Always walk in a group of three or more. Walk where you can be easily seen and rescued in case you are being attacked.”