According to the Witbank SAPS statistics for only May, a total of 27 people have fallen victim to armed robbery, with some cases reported during the day and others at night. The numbers are alarming, and the community is questioning the way forward.

Some of the recent incidents include: A resident who was robbed of cash on her way to convert her US Dollars. In the second one, several people were robbed of their cellphones and valuables while walking home from their workplaces. The incidents left them shaken and fearful for their safety.

Moreover, a family was robbed of their electronics and cash while at home.

The perpetrators broke into their house during the night, threatening the family with violence if they didn’t hand over their valuables.

The police are working hard to combat this kind of crime, but it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of residents.

“Members of the public should avoid being on the streets at night at all costs,” said Witbank Police spokesperson, Captain Eddie Hall.

The rise in armed robbery has left many residents fearful for their safety.

One of the incidents highlighted that you should not trust any stranger who might even pretend to be helping.

In another incident, a motorist with a passenger was lost, trying to navigate their way around the Old Coronation area, when an unknown man approached them.

The man told them that it was not safe to drive where they were and advised them to return as soon as possible. As the motorist was doing as instructed, things suddenly turned upside down when the man who pretended to help allegedly pointed a gun at the motorist, demanding the motorist’s money to pay for the warning that he had just given them.

Another group of five unknown men showed up. The motorist, together with the passenger, was then told to get out of the vehicle and sit at the back. The robbers searched the car and allegedly robbed them of their belongings.

“Do not carry a large amount of money with you, and always be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles and people. Beware of your surroundings,” Hall added.

Residents are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.

This includes avoiding walking alone in isolated areas and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.

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