By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 August 2025- The police in Northern Cape said business robberies pose serious risks to business owners, employees, customers and their assets. The police said the violent nature of such crimes can result in permanent injuries, severe damage, and even fatalities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane urges business owners to adopt precautionary measures to reduce the risk of business robberies. Shemane said they should verify the identity of all visitors, including those conducting deliveries or repairs.
“Be mindful of what is discussed in the presence of staff and customers. Report suspicious persons or behaviour to the police immediately. When hiring employees, request a valid identity document and keep a copy on record. Conduct thorough reference checks and request police clearance certificates.
“Ensure that contractors also verify the identities and backgrounds of their employees. Install a reliable alarm system and ensure it is regularly maintained. Connect the alarm system to an armed response service. Install static panic buttons in strategic areas such as cash offices and strong rooms,” he said.
Shemane further said business owners should provide portable panic buttons to management staff and ensure they are carried at all times. He added that they should also test panic buttons weekly to ensure functionality.
“Vary store opening and closing times. Use different routes when travelling to and from the store. Avoid opening or closing the store alone. Assign someone with a panic button to monitor the opening and closing process from a safe distance.
“Ensure adequate lighting at all entry and exit points. Keep cash and valuables in a safe or bank. Use a properly reinforced drop safe. Never keep the keys to the drop safe together or on the premises simultaneously,” said Shemane.
He said business owners should remove excess cash from tills throughout the day and deposit it into the drop safe. Shemane said they should avoid doing a full cash-up at the end of the trading day.
“In the event of a robbery at a business, warehouse, factory, or shopping centre, staff and customer behaviour can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of violence and injury. Information regarding criminal activities can be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
“The SAPS in the Northern Cape remains committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all communities,” he said.
The Guardian 