Phalaborwa woman says police denied her help
A Phalaborwa woman says police failed to assist after her phone and other belongings were stolen, allegedly refusing to open a case without the device’s serial number.
PHALABORWA – A young woman has expressed frustration after allegedly being denied police assistance to open a case following the theft of her iPhone and handbag containing her ID on Wednesday, October 8, in Phalaborwa town.
Victim says police demanded phone serial number
According to the victim, she approached the Phalaborwa Police Station immediately after the incident, but a female officer on duty reportedly refused to open a case, insisting that she provide the serial number of the stolen phone of which she did not have.
The victim stated that she managed to track the device to Tzaneen after an hour, but the officer allegedly insisted on her requirement, allowing the perpetrators time to deactivate the tracker.
“The police have failed me.”
“It would have been easy to locate the perpetrators if they had acted on the device’s location while it was still active. I visited the station about four times, hoping they would assist me in opening a case so that I could at least access CCTV footage of the perpetrators, but the officer insisted on a serial number before filing the report. This was not only about my phone but also my handbag, which contained valuable belongings. I do not understand why the absence of a serial number should prevent me from opening a case,” said the victim.
Suspects fled after pretending to need directions
The victim further explained that she was with her cousin when two men in a silver Polo with no registration approached them, pretending to be lost and asking for directions.
She described the perpetrators as two males: one dark-skinned with a fit body structure, and the other light-skinned, tall, and skinny. The suspects followed them to a store, where one of the men touched her. When she confronted him about the contact, he claimed it was accidental and that he could not see clearly.
The victim said her cousin entered the store while she remained outside with the perpetrator, who requested her assistance in withdrawing a voucher at an ATM. He allegedly requested that she leave her phone and handbag behind to show trust.
“For some reason, I trusted them and handed over my cell phone and handbag. When I attempted to withdraw the money, the transaction was declined. Upon returning, I realised they had fled with my belongings, and we immediately rushed to the police station. However, the officer on duty insisted on the serial number of my stolen phone before opening a case. I believe the perpetrators could have been apprehended had the police responded promptly.
“If all victims are required to provide a serial number to open a case, crimes of this nature will continue unabated,” the victim stated.
The Herald contacted the police spokesperson, Brig Hlulani Mashaba, regarding the matter, and he said he would provide feedback. At the time of print, no response was received.
