Reports of armed house robberies over the last two weeks have a Stellenbosch abuzz, but Stellenbosch police is warning locals not to spread unverified information and cause panic in the community.
A social media post written by Michelle Roos tells how she and her husband, Gideon, were held in their home by four armed men in Raithby after 19:15. Michelle sets out to explain that the armed robbers tied up Gideon in their bedroom on Friday evening (29 May). In an effort to get out unscathed, Roos helped the robbers search the room to get hold of cash, jewelry and other valuables. “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,” Roos wrote.
Stellenbosch police on Monday (1 June) confirmed a case of house robbery is being investigated following the incident. According to local police spokesperson, Captain Nathalie Martin, the couple, who reside on the Rust en Vrede Farm on the R44 road, were braaing in front of their home when four men wearing balaclavas and gloves, approached the couple.
The suspects were armed with a crowbar, one hand-made rifle, another firearm and pepper spray. “The suspects forced the complainant and her husband into the house and tied up the husband inside the bedroom while demanding money,” Martin confirmed. Along with a tablet, three cellphones, jewelry, and cash the suspects also fled with keys for the couples’ home and Amarok vehicle.
Michelle writes of the harrowing experience saying that the men fled after gathering their loot, after which she managed to activate a panic button prompting security services and local police to respond.
Martin confirmed another house robbery last week on Wednesday (27 May) at the VGK Church House, Stellenboschkloof Road around 20:30. According to the complainant four armed men, wearing balaclavas, entered her home carrying the same weapons as those mentioned by Roos. The complainant and her family were tied up in the lounge. The suspect eventually fled with 12 cellphones, including an iPhone, two laptops, jewelry and a wallet with bank cards.
In both cases the complainants were unharmed. Martin said no suspects have been arrested yet.
She urged the community “not to spread unverified information on social media”. “Stellenbosch police has noted with concern the circulation of unverified messages and posts on various social media platforms regarding house robberies within the community. The public are urged to refrain from sharing information that has not been verified by SAPS or other credible sources.
“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. SAPS would like to assure residents that all reported incidents are thoroughly investigated and that the police continue to monitor crime trends and respond to criminal activities within affected areas.”
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or crime directly to their nearest police station or through official police communication channels.
