Be warned – armed robbers’ scam returns

ARMED men dressed as officials are robbing residents who they trick into opening their homes.

KZN SAPS warns people to be on alert in Durban and surrounding areas, as there has been a resurgence of criminals who pretend to be from the municipality or Telkom.

According to the police, a group of four or five men operate the scam. They approach residents while they’re dressed in municipal or Telkom clothing and reflector jackets and have been seen using a Hyundai H100 bakkie.

The men go to homes claiming they are there to do meter readings or for maintenance.

“As soon as the occupants open the gate for them, they hold them up at gunpoint and rob them of valuables,” said KZN SAPS media’s Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane.

These types of crimes recur every few months, with some home owners losing large amounts of money.

“The community is warned to be aware of such criminals. Municipal employees don’t come in groups when conducting meter readings and they are usually on foot. No Telkom employee will come into your house if you have not reported any fault with their customer services.

Communities must always be alert and should not allow strangers into their homes. Homeowners must ensure they educate their family members as well as their domestic employees to always be cautious. If one is suspicious of people at your property, you should request them to produce their identification cards and verify it with the relevant authorities.”

DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061-876-3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031-903-2341 and speak to a journalist.

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)