As many people will embarking on their Easter journey, the Rietgat SAPS would like to call on the community of Soshanguve and visitors at the Block Y cemetery to always stay alert while visiting the graveyards of their lost one for different reasons.
Since Easter weekend is approaching, many families will utilize the time to visit the graveyards. The station has issued a statement to people who will be visiting the graveyards to always stay alert as criminals may want to try their luck.
Over the years during this period the SAPS has opened many cases such as armed robbery and carjacking at this place. It is alleged that these incidents often takes place to families who come to clean the graveyards of their loved one or who come to perform different spiritual activities.
Some of the victims are those who use the route as a short cut to their destinations.
“As the police, we also like to encourage residents to visit the graveyards in groups at the time of day where one can see a person approaching from a distance, not withstanding a fact that some rituals require people to be at the graveyards earlier, but we encourage them to do it in groups so as to be more safer” said Captain Stephen Maluleka.
The police also promised to monitor the surroundings from time to time in order to make sure that the community is safe and crime free. The police also requested that the community should report any unusual behavior they might experience to Crime Stop number 0860010111 or to station commander Brigadier Maphoto on 082 455 8236.
The following are safety precautions while at the graveyards
-Do not leave valuable items on the seats while going to the graveyard.
-Make sure you are groups while visiting the graveyard.
-Do not visit the graveyard while its dark
– Park close by to the graveyard you are visiting.
– Always do what you intended to do, don’t go around checking other tombstones.
-always be vigilant and HIGH ALERT when passing graveyard, avoid using your smart phones
-Do not be too nice to strangers.
It takes a community to fight crime and SAPS working together with the community can make sure that the community is safe at all times. Enjoy the weekend and stay safe.