eMbalenhle SAPS warn community to be vigilant this festive season

The police in eMbalenhle are appealing to the community to be more vigilant this festive season because criminals have already begun targeting residents.

According to Constable Busi Mthethwa, the eMbalenhle police spokesperson, they received many complaints from people who were robbed shortly after withdrawing money from ATMs.

Mthethwa advised the community to be extra careful before withdrawing money from an ATM, either at a filling station or in the malls.

“Before using an ATM, ensure that no suspicious people are roaming around. Do not ask for help from strangers. It is not advisable to have a lot of cash on you.

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“Rather use cards to buy, especially at the malls. Criminals queue with the pretence of paying for something, but they are actually observing who has cash on them and will then follow and rob that person,” explained Mthethwa.

She said the police are also appealing to those community members who are part of a Stokvel, to be extra vigilant as it is time for them to share their money. Mthethwa advised them to use bank transactions rather than carrying a huge amount of cash to share among themselves.

“There is this tendency when it is time for the members to share the Stokvel money, that criminals kidnap one of them, or one of the members run away with all the money. This can be prevented if Stokvel clubs have safety measures in place when it is time to divide their money,” said Mthethwa.

Mthethwa also warned parents to make sure that they look after their children to avoid the recent incidence of children going missing and being murdered.

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