KOMATIPOORT – Peter Hadebe was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment in the local Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday after being found guilty of possession of a firearm and house robbery.
Hadebe broke into a house in Marloth Park on October 19 in 2015, threatened the occupants with a firearm, stole their laptop and ran away.
Residents are warned to keep a close eye on their belongings as theft and robbery are expected to increase in the run-up to Christmas.
READ: How to prepare for the 12 days of “riskmas”
Const Natacia Mbuyane of Komatipoort SAPS stated that theft of water pumps on the farms around towns has been increasing. The same trend has also been reported in Tonga and surrounds and anyone with water pumps is urged to lock them up safely or try to limit access to their premises.
READ: Robbers and scammers starting to “shop” for Christmas
Const Nomsa Luphoko of Tonga SAPS also urged people to keep their valuables out of sight and to step up their safety measures when in town and at home. Safety measures include not carrying large amounts of cash, locking the house at night, changing your routine and ensuring you have safe transport after a party or when working late.
READ: Avoid becoming a victim of holiday crime
