CRIMINALS are taking advantage of the dark winter weather.
Muggings and robberies are on the rise in most Zululand suburbs and police have warned residents to be extra vigilant.
According to police, residents are being robbed of their monies, cellphones and other belongings.
‘Because it’s now winter and it gets dark very early, criminals lurk in dark alleys and victimise people walking from bus stops to their homes.
‘Criminals threaten them with guns or knives and take their belongings,’ said King Cetshwayo SAPS Cluster spokesperson Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose.
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Police have pleaded with residents to walk in groups and to avoid known criminal zones.
‘Residents must arrange for their family members to fetch them from bus stops after dark.
‘Secluded pathways must be avoided because that’s where these criminals hide,’ he said.
Mdlalose also warned locals to avoid hitchhiking on the N2 freeway and R103 road.
‘There have been many cases of people being mugged and victimised in places like the eSikhaleni turnoff and at the KwaDlangezwa traffic circle.
‘Criminals hide behind the bushes and attack them. This becomes a problem because when it’s dark they can’t even identify their attackers, which makes these cases not easily solved,’ said Mdlalose.
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Last week police also warned residents to be vigilant in Empangeni suburbs after reports of domestic workers being targeted by criminals while walking to various bus stops after work.
Communities are advised to also begin neighbourhood watch groups and work closely with Community Policing Forums and the SAPS.
‘Police cannot fight this crime wave alone, but when we work together we can prosper,’ said Mdlalose.
Police have also cautioned the public about leaving houses unattended.
They have pleaded with residents to be more aware of crime prevention measures at all times.
‘If home owners are going away, they must ensure they get someone to look after their property.
‘When the house in left unattended it provides criminals with the opportunity to break in and get away with belongings uninterrupted,’ said Mdlalose.
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