Saps warns of drink-spiking syndicates targeting men and women ahead of New Year

The South African Police Service (Saps) has issued a nationwide warning about criminal syndicates using drink spiking to rob and, in some cases, kill unsuspecting victims at places of leisure. Saps on Tuesday said the warning comes as South Africans prepare to usher in the New Year and traditionally flock to taverns, nightclubs, concerts and other entertainment venues. “The South African Police Service wishes to alert both men and women to be extra vigilant when going out to various places of establishments,” Saps said.

According to police, a concerning modus operandi has emerged in which syndicates use young women to target mainly men at drinking establishments. “This festive season, the Saps has noted a number of cases reported in various parts of the country like Gauteng and the North West, where men who left with women from drinking places would end up being robbed or, in some instances, killed,” they said. Police said the syndicates operate in a coordinated manner.

Young women are deployed inside clubs, taverns and concerts, while other members monitor their movements from outside. “The main syndicate would monitor these females’ movements and assist them to find a possible target inside the drinking establishment,” Saps said. Once a target is identified, the women allegedly promise to leave with the victim, often suggesting another bar, a hotel, a guesthouse or a private home.

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During this period, the victim’s drink is spiked. “Once the victim has been spiked, the syndicate moves in to rob the victim, often taking their cars, cellphones and money in their possession,” Saps said. Police confirmed that in “some unfortunate instances, some men have died as a result of an overdose of what has been used to spike them”.

Saps strongly advised men against leaving drinking establishments with strangers and warned women not to involve themselves in criminal activities. “Women are also urged not to involve themselves in criminal activity, as such often leads to an imminent arrest,” police said.

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