Police warn residents of crime hotspot areas which they should avoid, especially at night.

Captain Solomon Sibiya, the Kagiso Police spokesperson, said that on several occasions Tshepisong has been associated with crimes including rape, armed robberies, murders and hijackings.

“Police in Kagiso have stood up to the test, pulling out all stops and leaving no stone unturned to bring perpetrators to book.”

He said that in the past few years, more than a handful of these criminals have been stopped and put behind bars, some receiving jail sentences of between 15 to 100 years.

The hunting grounds of those perpetrators happened to be open spaces or fields, and old bus stops,” adding that people walking on the streets at night, those who park alongside Impala Road, and people at the bus stop near Leratong Hospital were still being targeted.

“The aforementioned are considered some of the most dangerous spots at night. As police we want to plead with members of the public to avoid hitchhiking and walking in these areas at night. We equally warn them not to park and mingle at night in these areas.”

A recent incident involved two people and an attempted robbery at gunpoint. The victims parked their vehicle at a bus stop on Main Reef Road near Leratong Hospital and were attacked and forced out of the vehicle at gunpoint.

“One was shot at whilst fleeing, and he sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.”

They are appealing to anyone who might know the perpetrators of the crimes in these areas to phone the Kagiso Police on 011 696 9000, 011 696 9059, 011 696 9065, 011 696 9067, or the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111. They can also use the SMS line on 32211 and remain anonymous.