POLOKWANE – Men in the city making use of the services of prostitutes are also exposing themselves as potential victims of assault and theft.
Two of these victims spoke to Review anonymously with the aim of warning others about what could happen to them.
One of the victims said he was robbed of his jacket, wallet, cellphone and keys while he was in the Ivydale area in the company of a prostitute. When it was time to pay the woman, he realised he had been robbed. Two other women arrived and together the three women chased him away, threatening him with a stick.
The other victim said he was in the company of a prostitute, also in the Ivydale area in his car. He said two more women climbed into his vehicle and one of them hit him against the head with a brick. He said he was also robbed.
“We cannot report the matter to the police as prostitution is illegal, so we would like to warn other men who may want to visit these women of the dangers involved,” the men said.
Both the Polokwane and Westenburg police urgently requested residents not to make use of prostitutes’ services.
Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala said an investigation was underway to link certain prostitutes with other crimes including theft, assault and even murder.
“We call on residents to keep off the streets late at night and in the early morning hours. Criminals are taking advantage of men under the influence of alcohol who pay visits to some of these women, which is when they are robbed,” Phala said.
Westenburg police spokesperson, Capt Mohlaka Mashiane said the services of these women should not be made use of, and people who are aware of where these women work should report them to the police.
“We urge the residents to report these women and help in the fight against crime in the areas where these woman operate. People who report these women can do so anonymously,” he said.
Criminal activities can be reported anonymously to Crimestop at 08600 10111, or by means of sending an SMS to 32211. For more information and to also report a crime, go to www.crimeline.co.za.
