The South African Police Service has sounded the alarm following a rise indrink-spiking casesat nightlife hotspots as the festive season draws to a close and New Year celebrations continue across the country. According to SAPS, criminal syndicates are using young women to target men at taverns, nightclubs, concerts and other places of leisure. Several cases have been reported in provinces includingGautengand the North West, where men who left drinking spots with women they had just met were later robbed and, in some instances, killed.
Police say the syndicates operate in organised groups, with young women allegedly sent into nightlife hotspots to identify potential victims while accomplices monitor their movements nearby. Once a target has been selected, the woman approaches the victim and often suggests leaving together to another venue, a home, hotel or guesthouse. During this period, the victim’s drink is allegedly spiked.
After the drugs take effect, syndicate members move in to rob the victim of valuables, including vehicles, cellphones and cash. In some cases, men have died after overdosing on substances used to spike their drinks. SAPS has urged men to be cautious, avoid leaving places of leisure with strangers and remain alert to suspicious behaviour while socialising. Police have also raised serious concerns about women being drugged while attending parties, bashes, taverns, nightclubs and other places of leisure.
