Armed robbers strike and leave family traumatised in Siyanqoba
A woman and her brother were held hostage as the armed robbers stole their valuable items.
A house robbery and kidnapping incident recently occurred in Siyanqoba, leaving a family at a great loss.
According to the Witbank SAPS Acting Station Commander Colonel Nonhlanhla Kgosana, the incident occurred on February 13 around 22:55, when two men barged into a home and held a woman and her brother at gunpoint.
The men reportedly instructed the woman to tie her brother and cover his face.
After demanding their cellphones and bank cards, they forcefully put the victims inside a vehicle that had a driver inside.
It is said that they then drove with them to a bushy area where they left them with one man to keep them captive.
After a couple of hours, the other two returned, and they reportedly drove the victims further away before dropping them off along a road.
By the time the siblings found their way home, their TV, groceries, and a ring were gone. They reported that they also realised that money had been withdrawn from their bank accounts.
No arrest has been made so far, and an investigation into the case is underway.
2 recent house robberies in eMalahleni cost victims electronics and loads of cash
Read more here: https://t.co/3VJeCQQJ9p#WitbankNews #emalahleni #Houserobbery— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) February 13, 2026
Kgosana has strongly condemned this criminal act and assured the community that the police will utilise all available resources to trace and arrest the perpetrators.
She shared the following tips to avoid house robbery and kidnapping:
- Always be alert when arriving home, especially at night. Observe your surroundings before opening your gate or door.
- Do not partially open doors if you are unsure of who is outside. Ensure all doors and gates are securely locked.
- Avoid using cellphones or being distracted when entering or leaving your home.
- Install proper lighting, burglar bars, and alarm systems where possible.
- Do not keep large amounts of money or bank cards with PIN numbers written down at home.
- If confronted by armed suspects, do not resist. Your life is more important than property.
- Report any suspicious persons or vehicles immediately to the police.
- Community members are encouraged to work closely with neighbourhood watches and Community Policing Forums.
Anyone with information that may assist in the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the South African Police Service on 10111 or visit the nearest police station.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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