LIMPOPO – Phalaborwa resident Jacques Gerber and his family have been left distraught after their home in Blackwood Street was ransacked by burglars on Thursday night, February 13. The robbers cleared out the entire house, leaving nothing behind.

Gerber, who only recently relocated to Phalaborwa, had suffered a heart attack on Wednesday and was receiving treatment at Nelspruit Mediclinic, returned home with his wife, Bernadette Gerber, on Friday only to find their house completely emptied.

“They took everything, absolutely everything,” Gerber said.

“We had just moved to Phalaborwa and did a full grocery shopping. It is all gone. They stole every electronic item in the house, our TV, double-door fridge, freezer, washing machine, my Canon camera with lenses, laptops, camping gear, power tools, Bernadette’s jewellery, my wedding ring, my purse, the SMEG, the boiler I bought my wife as a housewarming gift, all the air conditioners, and even the new curtains we had not yet put up,” he explained.

According to Gerber, a neighbour recalled seeing individuals moving around with torches at about 23:00. However, she thought it was the Gerber family. The street is usually quiet at night.
Gerber described the burglary as meticulously planned.

“These criminals operated like a professional team. The way they cut the wires and broke into the house shows they knew exactly what they were doing.”

A case was opened with the police on Friday, but Gerber expressed his deep frustration with law enforcement. “One of the detectives admitted to me that they do not know what to do anymore. They have given up the fight,” he alleged.

Gerber criticised the police for failing in their duties. “The police always have excuses or explanations, but no solutions. I am tired of this. We must stop accepting crime as a norm. This is where we draw the line. We need to stand up as a community and do what the police are failing to do.”

He also raised concerns that criminals might be using elderly women collecting cans and bottles to scout homes. “These women allegedly leave a trolley outside as a signal for houses to be targeted. We need to be more vigilant, know our neighbours, and recognise strangers in our community,” Gerber further alleged.

The traumatic event has left a lasting impact on the Gerber family, and Jacques told the Herald that he has arranged counselling for his wife to help her cope with the distress.

Meanwhile, another home in Tambotie Street, belonging to friends of Gerber’s children, was also burglarised on Saturday under similar circumstances, with thieves taking everything.

In response, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng told the Herald that an internal investigation is set to be conducted following the alleged statements.

“The station commander will appoint a senior officer to initiate an internal investigation regarding the alleged utterance made by our own SAPS member,” he said.

“We do not tolerate laziness within the SAPS as all members have taken an oath that they will ensure that residents and their properties are safe and protected,” he continued.

Moreover, to address the crime concerns, the SAPS will be collaborating with the neighbourhood watch and CPF to increase patrols and enhance community safety.

“There will be more boots on the ground to saturate the space, and crime intelligence will be engaged to gather information,” said Thakeng.

Thakeng also emphasised the importance of community involvement in crime prevention, urging residents to take part in the Know Your Neighbour initiative. He highlighted that informers have been tasked to follow every lead, and residents are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles or persons in their neighbourhoods.

“We have the constitutional mandate to investigate a reported crime and utilise all our available resources to conduct a thorough investigation. This is to ensure that perpetrators of crime are brought to book to face the full might of the law,” he concluded.

Residents are urged to report any suspected stolen goods to the nearest police station or by contacting the crime stop line.