Criminals’ new attack maneuver in Welties
Criminals pretend to be beggars in Weltevreden Park.
Motorists have been warned to drive with extra caution on JG Strydom Road in Weltevreden Park as criminals are believed to be hiding behind road construction equipment.
JG Strydom Road has been under construction for most of the year following a big pipeline project that has caused road closures. The temporary signages and objects used to control traffic are said to be used as hiding spots by criminals in that area.
Read more: Motorists warned to not give any money to beggars
A local resident narrowly escaped a mugging incident on 20 August at about 10pm between JG Strydom Road and Cornelius Street.
Hadyn Richards, the victim, was on his way home when he was approached by a man who pretended to be a beggar.
“A man came up to his window pretending to beg and when he looked at him to say he didn’t have any money, the man seemed to be looking into his car. Within that second another man had opened his passenger door and was halfway into my boyfriend’s car,” Richards’ partner, Chrysten Perucatti said.
“My boyfriend tried to hit him [the man] but only skimmed his face. The man got a fright and got out of the vehicle. Richards then put his foot [down] and drove off,” Perucatti explained.
Perucatti also mentioned that as Richards was driving off, the first man jumped into the back of his bakkie but when Richards accelerated, the man jumped from the vehicle.
Honeydew Police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan cautioned residents. “Always be extra vigilant and cautious on the roads. Vary the routes you take and if you enter an enclosed area, make sure there is security or cameras,” he advised.
During a recent Women’s Month Awareness event, Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs warned motorists not to give beggars handouts as no-one can be trusted. She said, “Rather give your donation to a church”.
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