North West police is concerned about cases reported around Mahikeng and Mmabatho about an alleged syndicate operating in these areas. 

This came forth after victims were allegedly hijacked at the local malls, in town, Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) and filling stations, and at all other busy areas. 

They will be allegedly be taken to isolated areas to be robbed or raped.  

“When they arrive at  those isolated areas this syndicate will force victims to give their bank cards and disclose their  Personal Identification Numbers(PIN).They will then drive to the bank and withdraw the victim’s money” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said. 

“It is alleged that these syndicates use different modus operandi. In some instances, they will wait for unsuspecting victims to approach and unlock their cars, then they will force themselves into the car, point the victim with firearm and force him or her to drive to designated area” Mokgwabone said.  

Most of these cases happen during the day said police.  

“An example of cases reported was when a family of three were at Mmabatho Graveyard and three suspects attacked them, pointed them with firearms” police said. 

“They drove with them to an isolated place where they robbed them of their bank cards. The suspects demanded their bank pin codes before driving to the bank to withdraw money” Mokgwabone said. 

Police were alerted and one suspect was arrested, he will appear before Mmabatho Magistrate’s court on charges of armed robbery on 22 April 2013.

In another incident, a 55 year- old man was also robbed at Mega City mall by four suspects after he deposited money at the ATM. The suspects allegedly grabbed him, tied his hands and blindfolded him before driving in his vehicle to an isolated area. “When they arrived at that place they asked for his bank cards and pin codes” Mokgwabone said. Two suspects went to the bank and withdrew his money. 

“After the transaction was completed, they went back to where the victim and other two suspects were waiting” he adds. They handed over his car and escaped with theirs. 

The victim could not identify them as he was blindfolded.

The community of Mmabatho and Mahikeng is advised to be alert at all times and apply the following tips.  

∙Look around when parking or getting into your car at malls or shops to ensure there are no suspicious people around.

∙Lock your car and close windows when in your car.

∙When your car is bumped from behind, if not sure about your safety, drive to the nearest police station.

∙Report any suspicious car following you. 

Police are appealing to anybody who has been a victim of these syndicates to immediately report at the nearest police station.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews