Police are calling for residents to be vigilant during winter time
"Experience has taught them that during the winter season, thugs take advantage of the situation by mugging people at points where they catch different transport to work."
Rietgat police are calling on the community to be more vigilant and alert as the winter season is gradually setting in.
Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said over the years experience taught them that during the winter season thugs take advantage of the situation by mugging people at points where they wait for transport to their work.
“We would like to warn our community to also make sure they go to their different departure points in groups to avoid falling victims of opportunistic crimes that take place in the dark,” Maluleka said.
“Train, bus and taxi commuters using the Mabopane station are also encouraged to walk in groups to deter wannabe criminals.
“Community members using public transport are further urged to leave early from parties, funerals and weddings so that they reach their destinations before sunset,” he said.
Maluleka said they also want to advise the community to avoid walking alone and meeting up in isolated areas or use thoroughfare or shortcuts during this period, especially at night or early morning.
“Cellphone users are urged to refrain from chatting while walking in the dark, it leads to impaired concentration of what lies ahead and that’s when criminals pounce on unsuspecting people.
“Rietgat police further extends the message to joggers to avoid using their smartphones while running on the side of the road in the early hours of the morning.”
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He said as the police, they would like to ensure the inhabitants that their safety is a priority to the station and it is a constitutional imperative to make sure they are and feel safe at all times.
Maluleka said it is incumbent on them as the police to share crime patterns with all the community members so that residents are aware of everything happening in their surroundings.
“The station will also continue to ensure more patrol vehicles are dispatched to combat all opportunistic crimes during the winter season and beyond.”
Station commander, Colonel Stephina Nkosi, called on every community member to blow the whistle against crime, no matter the type of crime.
“Anyone who witnesses any criminal activity in their surroundings or neighbourhood should contact the police on Crime Stop at 08600-10111 or MySAPS app or the Rietgat SAPS on 012-432-7806.”
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