Residents and businesses around Pietermaritzburg have been urged to be extra careful as a spike in robberies, theft and hijackings have been experienced.

Last weekend, a business robbery allegedly took place at a liquor store on College Road where six armed men are reported to have robbed the store.

According to Walungisa Protection Service (WPS) owner Imraan Osman, it is alleged that the six men entered the shop and took alcohol worth over R20 000.

Osman says after taking the alcohol, the men fled the scene using a Quantum taxi with no license plates. He says there has been an increase in robbery incidents.

Last week, a man was at his house when he was attacked and robbed in Gallway Road, Scottsville, just after 11:00, says Osman.

The criminals entered the yard and stole the man’s generator and other items. Osman says they came back again the same night just after 19:00, went inside the man’s house, and attacked him.

“He was hospitalised … Several incidents are taking place now and they are getting worse,” Osman warns.

He urges residents to always keep their gates and burglar guards locked, even when they are inside the house.

“I know not everyone likes to do that, but we have to do it. Whether or not we like it, you don’t know when you will fall victim to crime.”

Recently, a student was shot in Woodhouse Road, Scottsville, during a robbery incident. It is alleged that the student was attempting to fight off the robber when he was shot.

Osman confirms the incident and says the main problem was that criminals have become very demanding and when a person does not give them whatever they want, they do not hesitate to shoot or stab.

Meanwhile, Magma Security and Investigation recovered a vehicle that was taken during a house robbery in the Nhlazatshe area last week.

Magma owner Shaheen Suleiman says the incident took place at about 22:40 on Tuesday.

Suleiman says a vehicle was tracked to the Smero area where it was recovered by Magma security and Tracker Connect members.

Pietermaritzburg police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala says the district commissioner has instructed that all stations under uMgungundlovu District conduct ongoing operations.

“As we approach the festive season, plans will be in place to work with all law enforcement and stakeholders to curb the crime in uMgungundlovu District.

He says police are doing everything in their power to arrest suspects and minimise the number of robberies, especially in the Pietermaritzburg area.