THE South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging all stokvel clubs to make use of electronic banking this festive season.
Being the end of the year, many saving scheme clubs are now distributing invested funds back to their members.
However, direct cash payouts are notorious for resulting in planned robberies.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS, several stokvel clubs throughout the province reported muggings last year.
‘We had many stokvel members reporting that they were robbed at their homes after they received their contributions from the stokvel,’ says KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Jay Naicker.
‘It is evident that people are robbed by individuals who are close to them and are aware that they will be receiving such a payout.
‘During this past weekend we have already had two people that claimed that they were robbed of their stokvel money at their homes.’
Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson Debbie Ferreira also reiterates the importance of community members being vigilant when carrying large amounts of cash.
‘Always take serious caution when involved with stokvel or other transactions and use electronic banking facilities where possible.’
Employers are asked to transfer their staff’s bonuses and salaries into electronic accounts, especially during December, to prevent their exposure to criminal elements.
