Stokvels urged to guard against robberies

STOKVEL savings clubs have been warned by the KwaZuluNatal police against carrying huge sums of money to avoid falling victim to criminal syndicates.

KZN police spokeswoman Colonel Thembeka Mbhele yesterday warned stokvels that robberies and thefts from savings and investment societies were most prevalent around this time of the year.

“Instead of withdrawing large amounts of cash to pay out money to members, they should rather transfer the money into their members’ bank accounts.

“Those who do not have bank accounts should be encouraged to open them,” said Mbhele.

“If they have to pay in cash, they should ensure there is a secure venue with adequate safety measures in place.”

Mbhele said that as an additional safety measure, stokvels could ask their local police to patrol the vicinity of the venue where they are to make payments to their members.

Police patrols would deter criminals.

“Members of stokvel clubs should be vigilant and take precautions to safeguard their money when making withdrawals at ATMs,” Mbhele said.

“They should not withdraw large amounts, especially after hours, but rather use the ATMs at shopping malls during business hours, when it is safer, or where there are security officials on duty.” – ANA