Residents of Weltevreden Park and surrounding areas are being warned to be particularly vigilant on Without Avenue after a woman was almost mugged and kidnapped.
In a Facebook post shared on 25 April, a resident said her nanny escaped with her life after she was almost mugged on the bridge at Without Avenue. A thug allegedly jumped from a palisade fence and tried to snatch the woman’s bag, but luckily she managed to escape with her possessions and her life.
Honeydew CPF public relations officer, Michael Steyn warned residents never to try to fight off a perpetrator because the consequences may be life-threatening. He said, “Possessions can be replaced but you cannot replace a life. Do not walk in the streets with your valuables in view. Don’t walk with your phone in your hand. Educate your family members about the same thing – hide your possessions when walking in public.”
According to the police, residents should take note of the following tips to keep themselves safe:
• Never walk around alone and don’t talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people.
• Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible.
• Make sure your home is secure, and become a member of an armed response service. Be sure that you know all the emergency numbers or have them displayed in an accessible area.
• Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone; but think twice before advertising your impending absence on social media.
• Criminals also have access to Facebook and Twitter.
• Know all emergency numbers.
• Trust your instinct.
• Avoid going onto a congested street where you cannot even walk properly, as that is where you will find criminals pick-pocketing.
• Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.
• If you ever find yourself in a compromised situation, do not try to fight back. Ensure your safety and go to your nearest police station.
