CAREL WILLEMSE
SAPS has welcomed the sentence handed down on a UP student who was arrested after robbing a fellow student of her cell phone. The 21-year-old Koketso Molefe was sentenced to thirty months direct imprisonment on 30 May after appearing in the Hatfield Community Court on a charge of common robbery.
PDBY recently reported on a spate of cell phone robberies in the Hatfield district. https://pdby.co.za/student-arrested-for-cellphone-robbery/
Captain Colette Weilbach from Brooklyn SAPS said “car-jump robberies” are recently on the increase especially around student residencies and entertainment places where young people are hanging out. Criminals grab cell phones from users’ hands and then jump into getaway vehicles that are waiting nearby. These robberies occur within seconds. Brooklyn SAPS are investigating about eight of these robberies at the moment.
On Thursday 30 May at 21:15, an 18-year-old man was waiting for a taxi in Prospect Street when his cell phone was robbed. In another case, two female students were robbed at their respective residences while they were opening the gates with their cell phones in their hands. Other incidents happened at fast food outlets where cell phone users were waiting for their food orders.
“Cell phone users are advised to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when using cell phones in public places. Students are also urged not to get involve in crime. It is evident that the courts regard these types of crimes in a very serious light. A criminal record will ruin one’s life and prospects in finding employment”, said Weilbach.
Brigadier Kushie Nair, Station Commander for Brooklyn SAPS commended the investigation officer, Warrant Officer Christo Jooste for securing the sentence.
Students are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious behaviour to the police. Information that can assist SAPS in investigations can be provided anonymously by phoning 08600 10111 or by sending an SMS to 32211. The 24-hour Brooklyn Police number is 012 366 1735/6
