Walking in the streets of Sunnyside is dangerous, police said on Monday, following a number of crimes including robberies, rape and murder taking place in the area recently.
Sunnyside police spokesperson, Sergeant Asnath Malatsi, said most victims were people who drink until late at night at taverns and then walk home alone. “We encourage people to drink responsibly. If it happens that they exceed the legal limit and don’t have someone sober to drive them home. People should not walk alone.”
Police slammed liquor outlets that sell liquor to people who are already drunk. “We are aware that most liquor outlets do not stop selling liquor to people who are extremely drunk. This poses a risk to their customers as they could be involved in accidents or robbed of their valuables and even murdered in the street,” Malatsi said.
She said people should avoid going to a tavern with strangers as those strangers might be criminals.
Police also warned that robberies also affect sober people in broad day light. A 24-year-old man was robbed of his cellphone on the corner of Nelson Mandela Drive and Robert Sobukwe Street last Thursday. “We believe the criminals were attracted by the earphones that the victim was wearing,” Malatsie said.
Police said earphones make criminals aware that you are in possession of a cellphone or other valuables, which means robbing you would be worth it.
They are also concerned about high incidents of hijacking in the area. Police said people who become victims of hijacking are those visiting their girlfriends and meet for long hours in their vehicles at night. “We urge people to not remain in their vehicle, especially late at night,” Malatsi said.
Police also urged people not to approach prostitutes in the area, saying that the prostitutes work with criminals who steal valuables and even hijack vehicles. “Prostitutes work with pimps,” Malatsi said.
Residents are encouraged to report crime to the Sunnyside police station. Inquiry: Sunnyside police station 012-422-3662/54/55 or 082-779-8660.
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