Stokvels warned to stay cautious as criminals target festive payouts
Mamelodi police urge stokvel members to rely on electronic payments, warning that large cash withdrawals may lead to them becoming victims of crime.
Mamelodi East and West police are warning social club/stokvel members to take extra precautions to ensure their safety and security.
With the festive holidays approaching, many people will be spoiling themselves, and stokvel groups should avoid withdrawing large amounts of money and rather transfer money into members’ accounts.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Daphney Maila said they were sharing safety tips to help people protect their hard-earned savings.
Maila said at this time of the year, criminals are out to prey on victims and rob them of their valuable property.
“The members of social clubs are advised to use bank transfers to share social club or stokvel money, [rather] than withdrawing large sums of money [as cash],” said Maila.
Other safety tips from Maila include keeping your stokvel meetings and gatherings low-key and avoiding publicising them on social media.
The public should be cautious of strangers who may try to infiltrate your group or offer ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes.
All members must be made aware of and follow basic safety protocols, such as not carrying large amounts of cash, and consider using electronic payment methods for transactions.
Mamelodi East police spokesperson, Constable Penelope Khulong, added that community members are also urged not to share details regarding dates, times, and locations of the days when they will be withdrawing money for their stokvels.
Khulong emphasised it is safest if only nominated members can make banking deposits to the members, rather than sharing physical cash.
Police have also issued warnings against false prophets.
People should be on the lookout for false prophets or fortune-tellers who pretend that they want to help people out of their problems. These false prophets target confused or unsuspecting people into giving them money or valuables, sometimes operating openly at malls.
Residents are advised to report any suspicious-looking people to the police on 08600 10111.
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