Criminals claiming to be representatives of the Matjhabeng Municipality are gaining entry to homes with the intent of robbing and defrauding the occupants.
“Residents of Matjhabeng Local Municipality are warned about this new crime trend which has emerged,” says Tshediso Tlali, Matjhabeng spokesperson.
Tlali says this worrying occurrence started with the outcry of banning pit bulls following an incident in Hennenman, when a three-year-old toddler was mauled to death by two pit bulls on Sunday (20/11).
“Fraudsters are reported to be making their way into residents’ homes with unsavoury intentions. They are demanding these dogs be handed to them on behalf of the municipality.”
The Matjhabeng executive mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, visited the bereaved family in Phomolong, and expressed his heartfelt sympathy.
He pledged his support to the family in this difficult time.
Khalipha told residents that he would make a submission to council for strict bylaws on ownership of pit bulls in all towns of Matjhabeng to ensure safety of our people from this breed of dogs.
Khalipha has made a commitment to help the family with funeral arrangements.
Thea Smit, SPCA chairlady (Virginia and Bloemfontein), is not only horrified about the incident, but is also warning residents to be careful amid the recent happenings.
Smit indicated that while they will not take dogs by force, pit bull owners may surrender them voluntarily to the SPCA.
“Smit further warned against giving any kind of dog to just anybody as there are dog fighting rings and syndicates that are taking advantage of the situation to steal dogs.
Matjhabeng residents are urged to never give their dogs to people who are not wearing an SPCA or police uniform, and who are not travelling in marked vehicles,” says Tlali.
