LIMPOPO – Police have issued a warning to stokvel groups to avoid handling large sums of cash following a rise in robberies targeting savings clubs.

They urged groups to stop distributing their savings in cash, saying it puts members at heightened risk of being attacked.

Recent robberies highlight growing risks

This warning comes after several recent incidents in which stokvel members were robbed of substantial amounts of money.

In a recent case in Malamulele, armed men forced their way into the home of a woman who was holding stokvel funds. They demanded the money and ransacked the entire house before finding it and fleeing with an undisclosed amount.

Last year, two stokvel groups in Vhembe were robbed of a combined R140 000 shortly after sharing out their savings. In another incident in Mashau village, two armed men forced stokvel members to lie on the ground, locked them inside a shack, and escaped with their cash.

“Criminals are well aware that stokvels distribute their savings at this time of the year, making them easy targets,” Tzaneen Police Station commander Brigadier Edward Masinamele said.

He advised groups to transfer money electronically rather than carrying cash and recommended seeking assistance from the police when large withdrawals are necessary.

“If you need to withdraw money from the bank, come to the police station and request an officer to accompany you. We will ensure you share the money safely, without drawing the attention of criminals,” he said.

Grocery stokvels scammed at supermarkets

Grocery stokvels have also been targeted, particularly at supermarkets. In a previous incident, scammers posing as staff members of a major wholesaler in Tzaneen deceived stokvel members in a queue and made off with their money.

Premjee, a well-known wholesale grocer in Tzaneen, has urged customers to remain vigilant and follow correct procedures when making 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,” a Premjee representative said.

The store also warned customers to take extra care when transporting their groceries home, as several people have been robbed during transit.

For additional safety advice or support, stokvel groups are encouraged to contact their nearest police station.