‘Criminals are watching’: Limpopo authorities issue festive-season stokvel warning

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, has urged communities across the province to take extra precautions when handling stokvel savings during the festive season, warning that criminals are increasingly targeting social savings groups at this time of year.

As thousands of South Africans prepare to withdraw or distribute money saved throughout the year, December has become a peak period for robberies linked to stokvel payouts.

Mathye said criminals often monitor banking halls, ATMs and known payout points, following victims to their homes before attacking them.

“We are entering a high-risk period where many of our people collect their stokvel payouts. Criminals are watching, and they strike fast. We urge every community member to prioritise safety and avoid carrying or withdrawing large amounts of cash,” she said.

The MEC encouraged stokvel groups to avoid dealing in cash altogether, advising that payouts and monthly contributions be done electronically to minimise the risk of theft. She further urged clubs not to publicise meeting times, payout dates or venues, and for individuals to remain alert when visiting banks or ATMs.

Among the recommended safety measures are:

• Avoid withdrawing bulk cash, especially during high-risk periods such as month-end and December.

• Use electronic transfers for payouts directly into each member’s bank account.

• Deposit contributions electronically rather than collecting cash at meetings.

• Do not announce or publicise stokvel meeting times, payout dates or venues.

• Stay vigilant when entering or leaving financial institutions.

• Report suspicious behaviour immediately to the nearest police station.

Mathye said the department wants all residents to enjoy a safe festive season. “Let us be proactive, vigilant and responsible with our finances. Together, we can prevent crime and protect our hard-earned savings,” she added.

Members of the public can report crime or suspicious activity to the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS App.

On Monday, IOL reported that police in Limpopo have urged communities not to keep large sums of money in their homes during the festive season after a 55-year-old woman was attacked and robbed of stokvel cash in Nkowankowa on Saturday.

The incident happened at about 5 am when the woman stepped outside to fetch water. As she returned indoors, two unknown men overpowered her.

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said one of the assailants pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded money before forcing her into a bedroom.

The assailants allegedly took a plastic bag containing a substantial amount of stokvel savings as well as her cellphone. The woman was pushed to the floor during the robbery and sustained injuries, though no shots were fired.

The suspects fled the scene on foot.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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