Residents urged to be vigilant due to theft and burglary increase
Police have noted an increase in petty crimes such as theft in the KaMhlushwa and KaMaqhekeza areas and urge residents to increase their security and report suspicious activity.
TONGA – Residents should take note that there have been in increase in petty crimes, such as theft and burglary, in the KaMhlushwa and KaMaqhekeza areas.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi stated that police officers were on patrol over the weekend when they spotted men carrying a beer crate. The officers stopped them, intending to remind them that drinking in public is illegal. However, the suspects dropped the crate and fled.
Upon closer inspection, a stolen water pump was hidden inside.
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Nkosi said that there is a lot of stolen property currently stored at the police station, as they are struggling to get it back to the rightful owners.
He reminded people to mark their property or to keep proof that high-value items such as televisions and electronic equipment is theirs.
If someone cannot prove that property legally belongs to them, police cannot hand it over.
Residents that have had their water pump stolen are urged to contact the investigating officer on 082-318-9865.
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Nkosi explained that police suspect some of these crimes are being committed by nyaope addicts. “People are given these drugs for free to get them hooked.
“Most of these addicts are unemployed and then turn to crime to get enough money to buy more drugs,” he said.
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The captain urged family members not to allow anyone to store strange items in their homes. “Question your family about new, expensive stuff that they suddenly have. Don’t ignore it. We need the public to give us information to track down manufacturers and sellers,” he said.
Nkosi reminded the public that the police does pay for information that leads to arrests, and that people can become informants.
Two convicted rapists were also sentenced in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court last week.
A 17-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison, suspended for five years due to his age. He is currently under correctional supervision.
Nkosi said a 16-year-old girl had been visiting her boyfriend’s house and slept over. The girl left the room somewhere during that time and when she came back, someone else was in the bed. The convicted teen then proceeded to rape the girl.
A man convicted of the rape of a 21-year-old in Schoemansdal was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
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Nkosi also mentioned that very few cases were reported around Valentine’s Day, which is usually a time when rape and domestic violence cases tend to increase.
He urged community members to be extra vigilant, and to not go to SASSA and payment points alone or trust strangers to assist you.
