Festive season stokvel warning

AS the festive season approaches, the public is urged to be vigilant against criminals who will do anything to steal their savings.

Richards Bay SAPS issued this warning ahead of the holiday season when stokvel members and other similar groups prepare to distribute large quantities of money that they have saved over the year. Many employees will also receive year-end bonuses.

Police urge stokvel clubs to be proactive and adopt reasonable measures to safeguard their money, as stokvel-related robberies and thefts are prevalent at this time of year.

As a result of criminals targeting unsuspecting individuals, SAPS warned members against carrying large sums of money for the purposes of divvying up the club’s savings, but to rather consider other means of handling and distributing funds.

These include the electronic transfer of cash into individual bank accounts. “Some robberies could be well orchestrated by greedy people who may join the stokvels, intending to connive with criminals to rob their fellow members,” said Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson Lt Col Debbie Ferreira.

She urged community members to be vigilant and refrain from sharing information with anyone who may work against them, compromising their safety and that of their hard earned money or belongings.

“If need be, people should think twice before sharing posts of personal belongings, information or movements during this period to avoid being targeted, as criminals are lurking on so many different platforms, social media being one of them,” she said.

“Also be extra cautious when buying online or from groups on social media sites as scammers are always on the lookout for easy targets.

“Safety at malls and in town, as well as at ATMS, is also important; check your vehicles are locked because remote jamming is an ongoing problem, along with theft out of motor vehicles and theft at ATMS,” said Ferreira.