Sosh police warn of rising crime around graveyard
The Rietgat police has since opened about 10 cases of armed robberies taking place at different times and days of the week.
Soshanguve Block Y residents have been warned to remain on high alert when visiting the local graveyard following a spike in armed robberies there in the past few weeks.
Rietgat police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said about 10 cases had been reported to the police and had taken place at different times of the day and days of the week.
“It has come to the attention of the station that the graveyard has now become a hunting ground for criminals who attack and rob people of their belongings,” said Maluleka.
He said most of the victims reported that they were robbed by either three or four armed men wearing hoodies.
“At times these perpetrators pounce on people coming to remove weeds around the graves of their loved ones or performing traditional rituals,” he said.
He added that some community members also fall prey to these perpetrators when they use the graveyard as a thoroughfare or a shortcut.
“As a result of these criminal incidents, the police would like to encourage residents to only visit the graveyard in groups and at the time of day when one can be able to see a person approaching from a distance,” he said.
Residents who use the graveyard as a shortcut were advised against it for safety reasons.
“Rather go around.
We are aware that some rituals require people to be at the graveyard in the early hours, however, they are encouraged to do so in groups to be safer and we encouraged anyone to report every crime they experience around this graveyard,” he said.
Police assured the community that the area will be monitored 24/7 hours to get rid of perpetrators taking advantage of law-abiding citizens.
The police further requested members of the community who might have information that may lead to the arrest of these criminals to contact them on 08600 10111, 071675 6250 or the station commander on 082 455 8236.
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