A Raithby couple’s terrifying encounter with four armed men has shed light on a series of house robberies that have left the greater Stellenbosch community on edge, while local police are urging residents not to spread unverified information on social media.

The couple were enjoying a braai in front of their home on Rust en Vrede Farm along the R44 when four men wearing balaclavas and gloves approached them around 19:15 on Friday 29 May.

Armed with a crowbar, hand-made rifle, firearm and pepper spray, the suspects forced the couple inside their home and tied the man up in the bedroom while demanding money and valuables.

In a bid to get out unscathed, the woman cooperated with the robbers, helping them search the room for cash, jewellery and other valuables. The suspects fled with a tablet, three cellphones, jewellery, cash, and the keys to both the couple’s home and their Amarok vehicle.

Once the men had gone, the woman managed to activate a panic button, prompting security services and police to respond. Both victims were physically unharmed.

In a social media post that has since drawn widespread attention, the woman revealed that they were not isolated victims. “I am sure, just like my husband and I, everyone in and around Stellenbosch and Somerset West is unaware that the robberies have been going on for the past two weeks, with the same group of robbers. My husband and I were the ninth victims in the last two weeks,” she wrote.

Stellenbosch police confirmed on Monday 1 June, that a case of house robbery is under investigation.

Police spokesperson Captain Nathalie Martin also confirmed a similar incident on Wednesday 27 May, at the VGK Church House on Stellenboschkloof Road around 20:30.

In that case, four balaclava-clad men, carrying what appeared to be the same weapons, entered a complainant’s home, tied up the occupants in the lounge and fled with 12 cellphones, two laptops, jewellery and a wallet containing bank cards. The victims were unharmed and no arrests have been made in either case.

While the community’s alarm is understandable, Martin has urged residents to exercise caution before sharing information.

“The spreading of false or misleading information can create unnecessary fear and panic, undermine public confidence and divert valuable police resources from legitimate crime prevention and investigation activities,” she said, adding that all reported incidents are being thoroughly investigated.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity directly to their nearest police station or through official police communication channels.