As we near the end of the year, many stokvel clubs will be distributing contributions to their members. This is normally large sums of money distributed as cash payouts. Police urge these clubs to transfer the funds electronically to their members’ accounts to avoid them being robbed of their cash.
Already this year, a stokvel club in Bergville reported that they were robbed after they had withdrawn cash for distribution. In the past, police have also had many stokvel members reporting that they were robbed at their homes after they received their contributions.
It is very evident that people are robbed by individuals who are monitoring their movements, or individuals close to them who are aware that they will be receiving such a payout.
To avoid becoming a victim of crime, police urge the community to make use of electronic banking facilities to make payments and to receive their money. They also encourage employers to transfer their staff’s bonuses and salaries into their accounts during December, rather than carry large sums of money which will expose them to criminal elements.
