Police in the Northern Cape have warned stokvel members to take care when they withdraw and share out their savings before the festive season. The SAPS said fixed payout plans could make members easy targets for robbers and thieves.
The SAPS said the festive season usually brings more cash withdrawals and more large sums of money being moved. Police said this gives criminals a chance to target stokvel members and savings clubs.
“Avoid withdrawing or distributing large sums of money at predictable times, locations or through routine arrangements,” police spokesperson Captain Nomthandazo Mnisi said.
Police advised members and organisers not to withdraw or carry large amounts of cash where possible. The SAPS said electronic transfers straight into members’ bank accounts are a safer choice.
The police also warned members not to share payout dates, withdrawal plans, meeting venues or payout arrangements with strangers or people who do not need to know.
Members were urged to stay alert at banks, ATMs and other financial institutions. Police said they should not accept help from strangers while doing transactions.
When handling large amounts of cash cannot be avoided, the SAPS advised members not to travel alone. Police said members should think about making proper security arrangements.
The SAPS told stokvel members to watch for suspicious people or vehicles, especially after taking money from a bank or ATM.
“If you suspect that you are being followed, do not travel directly to your home. Proceed to the nearest police station or a safe, busy location and immediately contact the police,” Mnisi said.
Police also advised people not to show large amounts of cash in public. They warned against talking about savings and payout plans on social media.
Stokvel organisers were encouraged to speak to their banks about safer ways to collect money, deposit funds and pay out members. The SAPS said this would cut the need to handle large amounts of cash.
The police said criminals could use fixed routines and information that is open to the public to pick out possible victims.
“Stokvel members are therefore encouraged to maintain confidentiality regarding their financial arrangements and to remain vigilant throughout the payout period,” Mnisi said.
Mnisi said police will keep running crime prevention and high-visibility operations across the province during the festive season. The police said help from communities is still needed to prevent crime.
Police asked the public to stay alert, take sensible steps and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice News desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Kgomotso Maake covers news and politics for Tzaneen Voice. Kgomotso reports on government, Parliament, municipalities, courts, crime and service delivery across South Africa, with a close eye on how national decisions reach towns like Tzaneen and the wider Limpopo province. Stories are written in plain English and focus on the facts: who made the decision, what it means, and what happens next.