A devastating robbery in Limpopo’s Strydkraal Block A village has left a mother and daughter traumatized after criminals targeted the savings of a local stokvel group. On the evening of December 9, 2024, at around 10 p.m., three unknown assailants forcibly entered the home of a 54-year-old woman who had recently hosted a social club meeting. The meeting, which began at 3 p.m. that afternoon, involved the club members discussing how to distribute the savings they had accumulated over time. By 7 p.m., the meeting concluded, and the members left, leaving the victim alone with her teenage daughter, unaware of the violent ordeal that would soon unfold.
Around three hours later, the robbers broke into the house and stole a substantial amount of money, the collective savings of the stokvel members. After taking the money, the perpetrators locked the mother and daughter inside a bedroom before fleeing on foot. The victims were left in shock and fear, but they were later rescued by a relative. The police were immediately notified, and an investigation was launched into the crime. The incident has highlighted the increasing dangers faced by stokvel members, particularly when they handle large sums of money.
Limpopo’s provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a stern warning to community members, especially those involved in stokvels and other social clubs, about the risks of carrying large amounts of cash. The commissioner stressed that such gatherings, while important for community solidarity, can make members vulnerable to criminals who are aware of the potential for large sums of money to be involved. “We urge stokvels and social groups to be cautious and take measures to safeguard their savings to prevent becoming targets for criminals,” Hadebe said.
In the aftermath of the robbery, police have opened a case of house robbery and launched a manhunt for the three suspects involved in the crime. Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are underway, with authorities seeking any information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the robbers. He appealed to the public to come forward with relevant information, which could be critical in bringing the criminals to justice.
This latest robbery is part of a troubling trend in the Sekhukhune district. Earlier in February 2024, police launched another manhunt after a similar robbery targeted a group of stokvel members. During that incident, armed suspects ambushed the group while they were collecting their monthly contributions, stealing a large sum of money. The assailants also robbed another individual during the attack, and the victims were left shaken and devastated by the loss. Both incidents underscore the growing concern over the safety of stokvel groups, who are often targeted for their savings.
As the search for the robbers continues, local authorities are urging stokvel members to take extra precautions when organizing meetings and handling funds. Police have asked anyone with information regarding the recent robbery to contact Captain Michael Thobejane at 082 414 2415 or to use Crime Stop at 08600 10111. They also encourage people to report information through the My SAPS App or the nearest police station, in an effort to ensure justice for the victims and prevent further crimes of this nature.
