Soaring crime causes concern for Mokopane residents
In the past week alone numerous areas have been without electricity due to cable theft, a private school was the target of an armed robbery and it is alleged that a man tried to kidnap a child on her way home from school.
MOKOPANE – Two suspects in their twenties were caught red-handed on Sunday afternoon at around 11:23, attempting to steel copper cables in Schoeman Street. Fortunately, the police were informed in time and it led to their swift arrest. According to Mokopane Police Spokesperson, Sgt Irene Masingi they appeared before the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were released on warning.
Only two days later a private school, Mokopane Destiny Academy (MDA) in Schoeman Street was the target of an armed robbery where four armed suspects entered the premises, just after 16:00 on Tuesday afternoon and tied up two teachers. The suspects fled with 14 laptops, a projector and two cellphones. Fortunately, no shots were fired and no one was hurt. Sgt Masingi said investigations are ongoing.
On the same day, a message spread on Facebook and via WhatsApp that a child was almost kidnapped on her way home after school. According to a source the girl was walking to her house across from the school when a vehicle pulled up next to her and a man told her to get in.
She immediately ran into the complex where she stayed and called for help. Her sister went to call the neighbours. “When we came outside the suspect was trying to climb over the fence, when he spotted my husband he fled in his vehicle,” read one of the posts on Facebook.
The police appeal to the community to be their eyes and ears and to contact them with any information that can stop these criminals. Form part of a neighbourhood watch and be alert.
With the recent kidnapping scare Bosveld appeal to all parents to educate their children regarding ‘stranger danger’.
Here are a few tips to teach your children from ‘My Child Safety’ regarding “Stranger Danger”:
• Children should use the buddy system – avoid walking anywhere alone.
• Teach your children to trust their instincts – if they feel they are being followed or something is not right, seek help immediately.
• If a stranger approaches you, you do not have to speak to him or her.
• Never approach a stranger in a motor vehicle. Just keep walking. Do not accept candy or any other items from a stranger. Never walk off with a stranger no matter what he or she tells you.
• If someone is following you, try to remember the license plate of his or her vehicle and immediately tell a trusted adult.
• If a stranger grabs you, do everything you can to stop him or her from pulling you away or dragging you into his or her car. Drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite, and scream. Do whatever it takes to attract the attention of others who can help you. If someone is dragging you away, scream “this is not my dad,” or “this is not my mom.”
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
