Limpopo Police Warn Against Stokvel Robberies After Violent Home Invasion

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a stern warning to community members, particularly those involved in stokvels or social clubs, against carrying large sums of cash. This caution follows a disturbing house robbery in Strydkraal Block A village in the Sekhukhune district on December 9, 2024.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, a 54-year-old woman hosted a meeting for her social club at her home earlier that day. The gathering concluded at 7 PM, leaving the woman and her teenage daughter alone in the house.

Later that evening, at around 10 PM, three unidentified armed suspects broke into the home. The intruders stole a significant amount of cash belonging to the stokvel and locked the victims in a bedroom before fleeing the scene on foot.

The traumatized mother and daughter were eventually rescued by a relative, who helped them report the incident to the police.

Police have launched a manhunt for the three robbers and are appealing to the community for assistance.

“Anyone with information that can assist with their apprehension is encouraged to contact the investigating officer, Captain Michael Thobejane, at 082 414 2415, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or use the My SAPS App,” urged Colonel Ledwaba.

This isn’t the first time stokvel groups have been targeted in Limpopo. Earlier this year, police reported another robbery in the Sekhukhune district, where armed suspects attacked a gathering of stokvel members and stole their contributions.

In both cases, the attackers fled with substantial amounts of cash, highlighting the need for stokvel groups to consider safer alternatives for handling their finances.

Police Recommendations

To prevent such incidents, the police strongly advise stokvel members to:

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Use electronic banking methods for contributions and payouts.
• Hold meetings in secure, undisclosed locations.
• Report suspicious behavior in their communities to local authorities.

Lieutenant General Hadebe emphasized the importance of vigilance within communities, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement to curb such crimes.

As the festive season approaches, stokvel groups are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic criminals. Community members are reminded to prioritize safety and seek secure methods for financial transactions.

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