corruption in South Africa Police Service is a problem

Police Minister Bheki Cele and KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala update the media on the recent Phoenix killings in this file photograph.

Businessmen lured and robbed in KZN crime hotspot

Police have warned businessmen and women to report to the local police station for their safety before conducting business in this district.

corruption in South Africa Police Service is a problem

Police Minister Bheki Cele and KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala update the media on the recent Phoenix killings in this file photograph.

Police have warned businessmen and women about the high levels of violent crime in a particularly nefarious district of KwaZulu-Natal, which has developed somewhat of a reputation for a high rate of armed robbery and hijacking incidents.

The police have further warned that criminal syndicates are working to actively lure potential businessmen and women to the district under the guise of wanting to transact with them, but they then rob the business people and hijack their vehicles. They then smuggle and sell the hijacked vehicles in neighbouring countries.

KwaZulu-Natal SAPS regional spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala on Thursday warned business people to “always be cautious” when travelling to the Umkhanyakude District of the province to conduct their business affairs.

“Police in Umkhanyakude are once again reminding members of the community of KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces to ensure that they are always cautious when conducting business in the Umkhanyakude District,” Gwala said.

“Several people have become victims of carjacking and robbery due to criminals who are targeting business owners for their vehicles. These criminals target businesses and offer them work in the area,” she said.

“Once they arrive at the identified area, they are robbed of their belongings and vehicles. Their vehicles are sold in neighbouring countries.”

Gwala said that in the latest incident on 12 August 2021, armed men robbed a driver of his truck at Phelandaba in Emanguzi and left him deserted in a bushy area.

“Investigations revealed that the truck was sold in Mozambique. Two suspects aged 33 and 38 years were arrested for truck hijacking and arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds,” Gwala said.

She urged businessmen and women to take safety precautions before working in the area.

 “We are once again appealing to all those who are requested to conduct business in the Umkhanyakude District to report to the nearest police in order to be assisted in verifying the business.”

She urged the local community to report criminals by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111. 

“Citizens are also urged to download the MySAPS app on their smartphones so that they can report crime anonymously,” Gwala said.