Police urge residents to put on their ‘neighbourly jackets’

POLOKWANE – The police urge residents to put on their neighbourly jackets and assist each another in the fight against crime.

This comes after a woman was allegedly abducted last Monday by an unknown man, who allegedly raped her.

Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, Westenburg police spokesperson says the woman was forced into a taxi in the city and when the woman screamed for help, the man allegedly told bystanders that the woman is his wife and they were dealing with a family matter.

The man drove off with the woman and took her to a shack in Disteneng where the perpetrator allegedly raped her.

“The people did not assist the woman even though she was screaming. People must be aware of such instances and assist the person in need of help.

A case of rape and abduction is being investigated by the Westenburg police. No arrest has been made yet,” says Mashiane.

Mashiane urges Westenburg resident to form neighbourhood watches and to form relationships with the people around them as housebreakings in the area have alarmingly increased.

“We believe the suspects watch their victim’s movements and when there is no one at home, they attack. They break into the house and steal electrical appliances,” he says.

He adds that when people have a good relationship with their neighbours, the neighbour will report suspicious movements to the police or even call the homeowner to let them know there are suspicious people at the house.

“We must stand together in the fight against crime, so that we can root out the evil in our communities.”