It’s a few days into the new year, and two cases already reported prove that armed robberies at Olifants River are continuing despite the police’s attempts to warn the public against going to the river.

In the first incident that occurred on January 4, a man told the police that he was at his house around 15:00 when a traditional healer came to take him for a traditional cleansing at the river.

Things took the worst turn upon their arrival when two men came to them and asked for matches, only to suddenly have one of the men allegedly pointing a firearm at them.

The two men were instructed to lie down and were tied with cable ties, while one of the robbers instructed his companion to go with him to the man’s blue BMW, where he pushed him in and drove off. The victim eventually managed to escape.

Another incident occurred on January 8, in which, according to the police, a man reported that he was at the Olifants River and was suddenly approached by two allegedly armed men who forcefully took him and drove off with him in his car.

The man was dropped at some bushes by the robbers who fled with his silver Mercedes Benz.

These two incidents come after WITBANK SAPS’ continued efforts in warning the community of eMalahleni against going to the river after a total of eight armed robbery incidents were reported last year, with believers performing rituals seen as a soft target.

According to Captain Eddie Hall from Witbank SAPS, they are deeply concerned by the recent armed robbery incidents reported at the river, as such violent crimes undermine the safety and security of the community.

“We are intensifying patrols and intelligence-driven operations to target the perpetrators. We are also working closely with crime prevention partners and local communities to improve visibility and response times,” he said.

He further urged motorists to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity immediately, and take precautionary measures when going to the river for rituals.

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