Central SAPS vow to fight R80 crime surge
SAPS spokesperson, Captain Augustinah Selepe says pedestrians along this road are being subjected to armed robberies from unknown assailants.
The R80 is once again in the spotlight, this time, for an increase in muggings and pedestrian attacks happening along the provincial route.
Pretoria central police stations said they are committed to stopping the rise in crime on the R80, however, they need the public to come forward with information.
The R80 is a provincial road that connects the CBD to areas such as Mabopane and Soshanguve.
Rising social media posts venting about the road’s high levels of crime prompted the police statement.
SAPS spokesperson, Captain Augustinah Selepe, said that pedestrians along this road are being subjected to armed robberies from unknown assailants.
“It is alleged that suspects threaten the victims with either knives or firearms, and proceed to rob them of their belongings,” said Selepe.
In late August, a man was killed on the R80 road during a hijacking-gone-wrong.
“The victims are often mugged either in the bushy passages, or by the walls. People who wait for taxis to Soshanguve and those who cross over to Akasia, Heatherdale, Heatherview, and surrounding areas are targeted,” continued Selepe.
Drivers are not spared either as suspects are also known to target motorists at the traffic lights on the R80 off-ramp to Brits Weg Road during late hours.
Tshwane police acting district commissioner, Brigadier Samuel Thine called upon victims to report what happened. Through internal inquiries and processes, it was determined that most of the crimes along this road have not been reported.
“We will not rest until these suspects are brought to book,” said Thine.
Additional police resources have been deployed in the hotspots.
Residents can report crimes anonymously via www.crimeline.co.za, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or MySAPS app free of charge.
ALSO READ: R80 a crime hotspot
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