POLOKWANE – A message that circulated on social media over the weekend regarding an apparent robbery syndicate fronting a woman who poses as help at Cycad and The Greenery shopping centres could not be authenticated.

The message states that shoppers should be aware when visiting the two centres due to the apparent syndicate.

“There is a woman that approaches people’s cars just before they’re getting out. Once you notice her, she puts her finger on her mouth signalling you to keep quiet. Once you look again, there are four guys surrounding your car,” the message reads.

It goes on to state that the men take you to the nearest ATM and you withdraw from your account.

Management of both centres told the Polokwane Observer that no incidents were reported in this regard and that customers are welcome to review closed circuit camera footage upon request.

The original sender of the message could not be verified.

The Polokwane police said they have also not yet received a formal complaint relating to the message, but plan to intensify patrols in the area and other challenging sectors.

This follows a significant increase in brazen armed robberies on individuals, business owners and shops that are targeted particularly in the city’s central business district (CBD), which is cause for alarm and a wake-up call for residents and the authorities to tighten safety and security measures.

In recent weeks, the following incidents were recorded:

• Police confirmed that a 48-year-old man who was on his way to deposit cash, was shot in an armed robbery at Savannah Mall on Monday at around 11:00.
• In March, a 50-year-old man was shot at an ATM in the city centre while withdrawing money. He later died in hospital.
• On April 23 at around 17:15, a man who was driving was accosted by armed robbers at the Peter Mokaba sports precinct, in demand of money and his valuable possessions.
The police confirmed that they drove with him to a location in Fauna Park, where they instructed him to request money from his family members.
His sister deposited an undisclosed amount.
• Last month, armed robbers targeted two shopping centres in the CBD on the same day, and made off with substantial amounts.
• The Post Office in Westenburg also became a target of a similar incident in April.

The Community Policing Forum’s Rudolph Phaswana said they have also intensified patrol efforts with the addition of 10 members in the CBD. They request citizens to volunteer in the hope of deterring such crimes.

“In one day last month, we recorded over 10 cases of theft out of motor vehicles, which proves to be a challenge around Hospital and Excelsior streets in particular.”