SAPS warns of criminals robbing from vehicles in Mbombela
In a video circulating on social media, a group of men can be seen calmly opening the doors to a vehicle at a traffic light in the Mbombela CBD and robbing a motorist
The video footage of three unknown men approaching a red vehicle waiting at the traffic lights at the Samora Machel Drive and Henshall Street crossing and robbing from it has caused quite a stir.
Community members and motorists have raised their concerns on social media on what they claim is a lack of safety in Mbombela.
On the footage, these men can be seen opening the vehicle’s doors and taking things from it, and then calmly walking away as the traffic starts flowing again.
The owner of the vehicle does not appear to have stopped after the incident to get out and go after them; they proceeded to drive on when the robots turned green.
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A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, told the newspaper that the police are aware of the video.
He said there were no reports received at the local police station, although he added that officers do patrol those specific streets as well.
“There is no case opened with regards to the incident as portrayed on the said video, and as the Mpumalanga SAPS, we encourage the person to open a case so that an investigation can be conducted. When victims of a crime open a case, the information can be used if the same perpetrator commits another crime and gets arrested.”
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He said they want to urge members of the public, especially motorists, to be very vigilant when driving on the roads.
“Lock your doors. Avoid opening car windows while driving, and avoid flashing mobile phones while in the car, as this conduct may attract perpetrators to pounce on them. If your phone rings while driving, do not answer it, as it gives criminals an opportunity to steal,” said Mdhluli.
