eMbalenhle SAPS ask for help after spate of house robberies
Several recent house robberies were carried out using seemingly similar methods, raising suspicion that the same group of criminals could be responsible.
The eMbalenhle SAPS appeal to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of thieves involved in a spate of house robberies that have terrorised residents since early April.
According to Constable Busi Mthethwa, the eMbalenhle SAPS spokesperson, several recent house robberies were carried out using seemingly similar methods, raising suspicion that the same group of criminals could be responsible.
Rape and robbery on April 5
In one of the most disturbing incidents, a woman was raped and robbed in the early morning of April 5. The victim was awakened by her mother’s screams and managed to post a WhatsApp status asking for help before hiding her phone.
Two unknown African men, one tall and chubby with his face partly covered, and the other short and dark, entered the house and demanded cellphones from the family.
They tied up the victims with shoelaces and gagged them.
They reportedly spoke Tsonga mixed with Pulani. One attacker raped the victim at knifepoint while her family was restrained in another room. The attackers fled after hearing noises outside.
Robbery in Ext 10 on April 6
A man in Ext 10 reported that he was using his phone when three people entered his home. They told him they weren’t there to steal but took his phone and a TV and tied him up with shoelaces next to his bed. The victim later screamed for help after freeing himself.
ALSO READ: Leandra SAPS seek help to solve house robberies
Murder during robbery on April 10
A horrific incident occurred in Ext 14 when a 62-year-old man was stabbed to death during a house robbery. A 17-year-old girl told the police that two men gained entry through the kitchen window and attacked her father while he slept.
He suffered multiple stab wounds. The robbers threatened the girl and stole laptops, a printer, a sound system, two cellphones and sneakers.
Fake police robbery on April 11
Eight armed robbers pretending to be police officers woke up residents in Ext 15 by firing a gun and knocking on the door.
Claiming to be acting on a tip-off, they convinced the victims to open the door. The robbers ransacked the home and stole about R4 000 in cash before fleeing.
Call for community help
Mthethwa stressed the need for community involvement to solve these crimes. There have been no arrests in any of the cases.
“As the police, we need community help to resolve the above cases. Anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts is urged to come forward. We will keep them anonymous,” said Mthethwa.
If you have information, call detective Captain Fannie Sindane on 079 264 0156 or the Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 10111.
ALSO READ: Trichardt police are looking for the family of deceased
