The Goldfields has experienced a spate of kidnappings of foreign business people, together with an increasing number of high-profile business people falling victim to kidnappers who demand high ransoms.
There have also been cases of children being kidnapped off the streets of Thabong.
Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liason officer for the Lejweleputswa SAPS, says police management are concerned.
“Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale, district commissioner of the Lejweleputswa SAPS, is deeply concerned about these incidents and would like to advise business people and children on our streets to be extra careful,” says Thakeng.
“We are appealing to residents to police themselves. They must be vigilant wherever they are. The days are evil, and children must not accept instructions from peole they do not know. They must report such incidents to their parents, or when in a dire situation they must scream for help to attract the attention of passers-by.”
Thakeng says business people are attacked either at their business premises or when they arrive home after work.
“In these instances criminals will rob them of their hard-earned cash,” he says.
The Lejweleputswa SAPS have provided the following crime prevention tips:
- Check your surroundings before leaving home or the workplace. Beware of your surroundings, look for anything out of the ordinary.
- If you suspect that you are been followed, pass your home and rather drive to a garage or police station.
- Reinforce security during the opening and closing times of the business.
- Avoid routine, change travel routes when driving home from work. Check suspicious-looking people or vehicles before opening the gate at your home.
“Kidnappers rely on your routine to track you down, and then look for a time when you are most vulnerable to attack,” says Thakeng.
The public must note that the SAPS flying squad numbers have changed.
The Welkom Flying Squad’s numbers are 057-391-9500 or 057-391-9502.
The Welkom Police Station number is 079-886-5574 and the Thabong police number is 082-848-8120.
In an emergency members of the public can also dial 08600-10111.
