‘Keep one eye open’
A NEW crime wave is sweeping across the usually serene community of Letsokoane outside Seshego, where thieves sneak in the middle of the night to steal water tanks.
Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – A NEW crime wave is sweeping across the usually serene community of Letsokoane outside Seshego, where thieves sneak in the middle of the night to steal water tanks.
Many households confirmed over the weekend that their water tanks had been stolen when they were fast asleep, possibly around midnight or in the early hours of the morning.
The value of these bulk water containers is estimated at between R2 500 and R3 000.
The tank stealers are said to be targeting the massive water containers that are installed on the ground or a low level, and not those that are on high tank stands.
With Letsokoane already plagued by a water scarcity, these acts of criminality are robbing the thirsty villagers of a valuable source of life.
Over the weekend, some of the residents were seen erecting brick and cement stands to elevate their green plastic reservoirs for safekeeping.
Many residents had confirmed that since the new crime wave hit their area of Koena Moloto 1 and 2, they hardly sleep for worry that their water tanks will be stolen.
Since these tanks are too big to carry, the thieves first empty the tanks before making off with them, leaving the yards in which the tanks were, a quagmire.
One of the residents, pastor Koena Kgabi, said she was one of the homeowners who slept with one eye open. “Since these thieves started stealing tanks in our area, we are literally guarding our property 24/7. After every 30 minutes at night, I look through the window to check if my tank hasn’t been stolen. We don’t sleep these days as this crime has spiraled out of control.
“We would only sleep peacefully if the police were patrolling our neighbourhoods on a regular basis, especially at night.”
One of Kgabi’s neighbours, who opted to speak on the basis of anonymity, has since painted her tank with an assortment of bright colours.
“I decided to paint my tank with bright colours so that if it is stolen, I will be able to identify it anywhere,” she said.
Meanwhile, a group of men in the area has vowed to ‘deal’ with whoever they could catch stealing the tanks.
One of the men from Koena Moloto 1, said: “We have decided to take it upon ourselves to protect our property. We cannot fold our arms when thieves are sneaking into our dwellings and take our valued belongings.”
Spokesperson for the Seshego police, WO Mothemane Malefo said: “Should anyone take the law into their own hands, we will arrest them. There is no way we will tolerate lawlessness. Two wrongs will never make a right.”
Provincial police spokes-person, Col Ronél Otto, said the police would work with all community structures to overcome this and any other crime-related challenges. “Patrols in will be increased,” she assured.
Anyone with information regarding the theft of water tanks can contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 0860 10111.
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