Police in the Muldersdrift area have responded with concern and residents have been left aggrieved after a series of heinous armed robberies and attacks.
On Tuesday, August 24, five armed robbers entered a property in Rietfontein and held the owner at gunpoint. According to the police report, he was assaulted before the perpetrators entered the house. “They stole two cell phones, two laptops and a revolver that belongs to the victim, and fled the scene on foot,” explained Sergeant Mulalo Ndou, communications officer for the Muldersdrift Police.
In a separate incident on August 25, four people were held at gunpoint, this time by eight intruders in Nooithgedacht. Akin to the attack from the night before, the victims were assaulted before being robbed of their belongings, which included three TVs, cell phone, amplifier, a DVD player and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Ndou also confirmed an incident on Glory Road where two people were tied up, attacked and robbed by four thugs with pangas.
Muldersdrift Police station commander Lieutenant Colonel Makontsho Setlhare condemned the violent crime in the area and urged community members to be alert at all times and to work with the police in the fight against crime. “We are alert and working around the clock to trace the suspects. We are intensifying police visibility and patrols around Muldersdrift,” he said.
He offered the following safety tips:
– Security lights outside the house can improve the physical protection of a house and deter criminals.
– A high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall due to the improved visibility it provides.
– Ensure that all the doors are locked at all times and windows are closed when you are not home.
– Ensure that tools such as axes, spades and hammers which can be used in an attack are locked away when they are not in use.
– An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.
– Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
– Vary your daily routine. Get into the habit of not falling asleep immediately after switching off the lights.
– Do not go outside when you hear a strange noise or dogs barking constantly; rather call the neighbours and the police while activating the alarm system.
Community members with information that can help in tracing the suspects can contact the Muldersdrift Police on 011 952 4600, or use the Crime Stop number 08600 10111; alternatively send an SMS to 32211.
