A dramatic increase in street robberies in Welkom is cause for concern, and the Welkom Police are warning the public to be very careful.“There has been an increase in street robberies across town these past months. Many of the offences have occurred in Welkom CBD or within residential neighbours, especially along the routes pedestrians take to travel to and from their homes and on their way to stores and public transportation,” says Brig. Montsantsi Makhele.
People must always take precautions to lower the likelihood of becoming a victim, including:
• Always be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant. Try to walk with others in well-travelled streets or areas;
• Do not allow yourself to be distracted by activities;
• Protect your electronics by not publicly displaying them;
• Do not display large amount of cash when paying for items.
A case of robbery was opened after a 19-year-old teenager was allegedly robbed of his cellphone by two unknown males on Wednesday (03/05). “The complainant was walking alone in Toronto road near the circle when two males robbed him. One suspect came from the front and the other from behind. They robbed him of a Samsung Galaxy A51,” says Makhele.Det.Sgt Tsie Matlokotsi of Welkom Detective Service is investigating the case, and has had an identikit compiled.The suspect is an African male, aged between 25-30, foreign nationality, dark in complexion, about 1.7 meters in height, muscular weight, shaven head, dark/medium eye colour and English speaking. He was wearing a black baseball cap, red bandana, dark blue shirt, a gold chain necklace, black jeans and dark flip flop shoes. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects is requested to contact Matlokotsi on 078-758-5658 or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, alternatively send information via MySaps App.
