House robberies continue to rise in eMalahleni
Five armed break-ins, an abduction, and a sexual assault have been reported to local police, prompting an urgent safety warning for residents.
House robberies are taking their toll on eMalahleni residents following a series of violent armed break-ins reported across the area.
Six house robberies were reported to Witbank Police Station in the past week.
On September 20 at about 19:30, five armed men stormed a house in Benicon informal settlement. Three other people who entered the house during the robbery were also tied up, followed by a fifth victim shortly after. The suspects took cellphones, an undisclosed amount of cash, and a Hyundai i10. The homeowner was assaulted with a firearm and stabbed in the back before the gang fled.
In a separate incident on September 15 at around 20:00, three friends were socialising at a residence in Duvhapark Ext 16 when six men, three of them armed, forced their way inside. The suspects searched the victims, taking cellphones, wallets, cash, and a company vehicle before making their escape.
Intruders strike in Siyanqoba
Two break-ins were reported in Siyanqoba during the early hours of September 16. At about 01:30, a woman sleeping alongside her husband woke up to find an unknown man sexually assaulting her. When the intruder realised she was awake, he fled the scene. A television, shoes, and a gown were stolen from the home.
Later that night, at about 02:00, another Siyanqoba resident woke up to a noise inside her house. Her boyfriend investigated and confronted a suspect inside the kitchen. The suspect fled into nearby bushes, but members of the community managed to apprehend him. A television and cellphone were reported stolen after the suspect forced open the front door.
Abduction in Jackaroo Park
Jackaroo Park was hit by two serious incidents on September 17.
At around 21:00, a man and his girlfriend answered a knock at their door after someone claimed to be a police officer. An intruder wearing a black mask entered, forced the man to the floor and under the pretext of searching for drugs, stole his cellphone and abducted the girlfriend before fleeing.
Later that night, at about 22:30, five armed suspects broke into another main house in Jackaroo Park where seven people were present. The suspects tied up all seven victims, searched the house, and stole cellphones and a smartwatch.
Police issue safety warning
Witbank SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer David Ratau said police have noted cases across various parts of eMalahleni and are not seeing house robberies concentrated in one particular area.
Ratau urged residents to ensure that burglar bars, doors, windows and gates remain locked at all times and encouraged communities to report suspicious activity immediately.
Ratau further advised residents not to place themselves in danger should they find themselves confronted by armed suspects.
“Residents must be vigilant and make sure their homes are secured. If you become a victim of a house robbery, cooperate to avoid endangering your life. Property can be replaced, but lives cannot.”
Police investigations into the various house robberies remain ongoing.
Anyone with information that can help solve the cases can contact Witbank SAPS on 079 891 5570, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
READ MORE: eMalahleni’s violent house robberies no longer confined to one area, warn police
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