Limpopo police say stokvel-related robberies spike during the festive season, urging households to bank their savings. Limpopo police have urged communities not to keep large sums of money in their homes during the festive season after a 55-year-old woman was attacked and robbed of stokvel cash in Nkowankowa on Saturday. The incident happened at about 5 am when the woman stepped outside to fetch water.
As she returned indoors, two unknown men overpowered her. Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said one of the assailants pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded money before forcing her into a bedroom. The assailants allegedly took a plastic bag containing a substantial amount of stokvel savings as well as her cellphone.
The woman was pushed to the floor during the robbery and sustained injuries, though no shots were fired. Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident and warned households against keeping cash at home — particularly at this time of year, when stokvel payouts often attract criminals. “Communities are once again reminded not to keep large sums of cash at home, especially during the festive season when stokvel-related robberies rise sharply,” she said.
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Police said all relevant stakeholders attended the scene and that investigations are underway. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or use the My SAPS App. Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. Last month,IOL reported that police in Malamulele, under the Vhembe District in Limpopo, launched a manhuntafter armed assailants stole money believed to be stokvel savings during a house robbery at Xigamani village.
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