Stellenbosch police are investigating a case of robbery after a man was allegedly accosted in Mjandana Street, Khayamandi, at 08:35 on Thursday 20 March. The victim was apparently on his way to Stellenbosch University when two unknown men approached him, pulled out knives and threatened him. The suspects took his wallet, a black iPhone and black boots. A case of robbery with a weapon or instrument other than a firearm is being investigated.
In a similar incident, a man was walking near Thubelitsha, Khayamandi, when four men approached him from behind at 06:00 on Friday 21 March. Two of men took knives out and starting searching the complainant. The suspects fled with a cellphone. A case of robbery with a weapon or instrument other than a firearm is being investigated.
Later that night, a robbery with a firearm was reported at 21:15 in Mandela Drive, Khayamandi after a woman, who was standing with her friend, saw a white VW Polo stopping nearby. An unknown man wearing a black hoodie exited the car and approached the women. The suspect had a firearm and demanded their cellphones. The woman handed over her cellphone and the suspect fled in the same car.
In another incident on the corner of Luyolo and Makupula streets in Khayamandi, a complainant was waiting for a taxi when she was approached by a gun-wielding suspect at 18:20 on Thursday 13 March. The suspect demanded that she handover her cellphone, and he fled by foot once she obliged.
Stellenbosch police urged residents to be alert, take precaution, stick to well-lit, busy areas, avoid standing in isolated areas, minimise valuables and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Criminals often target people who seem distracted.
