Tzaneen stokvel groups warned of robbery threat
Tzaneen police warn stokvel groups to avoid carrying large sums of cash after recent robberies targeting savings clubs.
TZANEEN – Brigadier Edward Masinamele, commander of the Tzaneen Police Station, has urged stokvel groups to refrain from sharing their savings in cash to avoid becoming targets for criminals.
Masinamele’s warning comes after several recent robberies in the area, where stokvel groups were attacked and robbed of substantial amounts of money.
A recent incident in Ramalema, Tickyline village, saw a stokvel club robbed during a meeting. In Vhembe, two groups were robbed of a combined R140 000 shortly after distributing their savings. Similarly, in Mashau village, stokvel members were forced to lie down by two armed men who then locked them inside a shack before fleeing with their money.
“Criminals are well aware that stokvel groups spend their saved-up money this time of year, making them easy targets,” Masinamele said.
He advised clubs to transfer money between bank accounts instead of handling large sums of cash. He also suggested that groups withdrawing money from banks seek assistance from the police.
“If you will be withdrawing money at a bank, rather come to the police station and ask for an officer to accompany you. We will ensure you share the money in a safe place without attracting criminals,” he added.
Grocery stokvel groups have also been targeted at supermarkets. In a previous incident, criminals impersonating staff members of a major wholesaler in Tzaneen scammed stokvel members out of their money while they were in the queue.
Premjee, a wholesale grocer in Tzaneen, advised customers to be cautious and follow the proper procedures when paying for their purchases.
“Stokvels should submit a grocery list for a quotation and then proceed to our cash office for payment. Our caddies will collect the stock while customers enjoy refreshments prepared by our staff,” advised a Premjee staff member.
Premjee management also warned customers to be vigilant when transporting their purchases home, as many have been robbed of their groceries during transit.
For further safety advice and assistance, stokvel groups are encouraged to contact their nearest police station.
