Cash transactions create fertile ground for criminals, police say

POLOKWANE – “Our people have the tendency to carry large amounts of cash, especially for social clubs, and we are gathered here today to discourage it. Do not create fertile grounds for criminals to ruin your festive season.”

This was the message by the deputy provincial police commissioner, Major General Lesiba Mashilo to scores of Capricorn district residents who gathered at a busy Limpopo Mall parking bay on December 15 for a day of prayer, a week before the anticipated start of the festive season.

The much esteemed Zion Christian Church, St Engenas brass band played a critical role in inviting its many local congregants, which law enforcement officials used as an opportunity to guide locals in safety aspects over the festive season.

In stokvels especially, it has become the norm in most communities that money is saved throughout the year and shared evenly among members towards the beginning of the festive season.

Some carry large sums of money, making them obvious targets.

Mashilo was joined by other top cops including Polokwane Police Station commander Brigadier Matome Makhura, community policing forum representatives, Ward councillors and Polokwane Municipality law enforcers in emphasising the need to share the savings electronically as an alternative.

“Having cash on you is simply not safe. Instead, use electronical methods to make purchases and only let those you trust help with money-related matters,” he said.

For the general safety of citizens this festive season, he said Limpopo is in the course of receiving over 200 newly trained police officers, with another cohort having started surveillance work on the day.

“They are monitoring almost every corner of the central business district and the town heeding this year’s theme ‘More boots on the ground‘. Our people’s safety is a priority’, and hotspots have also been identified,” Mashilo added.