LIMPOPO – Driving in Dirk Winterbach Street in Burgersfort has become a petrifying experience for some motorists due to the numerous robberies that occur while they are stuck in traffic at the traffic lights.
According to motorists, they did not report the crimes as they felt the police would not pursue the thieves because of the lack of interest in these cases. The robberies occur within seconds, making it impossible for the victim to identify the suspect.
Susan Muller says she went to fetch her family at a store in a shopping centre when her vehicle’s window was forced down at the traffic lights on the road to Ohrigstad. The man grabbed her around her neck to choke her. He then made off with her valuables. Muller jumped out of the car to draw the attention of a nearby traffic officer, but he ignored her.
She then decided to drive to the police station. After showing police officers the marks on her neck, she was informed that nothing could be done as the attacker had managed to escape. Muller said the worst part was that the incident happened on the day of her mother-in-law’s funeral.
A police officer at the station said they were aware of the increase in robberies in this street.
“We are currently implementing and creating effective plans to stop these criminals at the traffic lights. A campaign is also underway to inform motorists about safety regulations when travelling in town. We have already apprehended some of these criminals, but we urge all citizens to report these incidents so we can identify the areas where the robberies occur.
“Always keep your vehicle doors locked and windows closed. Bakkies must make use of a canopy that can lock, and residents should avoid leaving valuables in the back of the bakkie,” the officer stated.
CV asked the police officer at the station if locals were allowed to use safety devices to protect themselves while driving.
“If citizens need to use safety devices such as pepper spray and Tasers to protect themselves while driving, then they must know the law’s regulations and requirements when purchasing and using these devices.”
