Police record spike in dating robberies in Maboneng
The Gauteng provincial legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has warned the public to be careful when dating strangers from social media.
This follows the killing of Olorato Mongale in Lombardy West.
The 30-year-old was found murdered, after apparently leaving home for a date in Johannesburg.
On Thursday, the committee conducted an oversight visit to Jeppe Police Station and received alarming reports of kidnappings and robberies in the Maboneng precinct.
The committee’s chairperson, Bandile Masuku, called on the public to be vigilant.
"The station management briefed the Committee on a disturbing trend where victims from across Gauteng are lured to Maboneng through hookup apps, only to be kidnapped, robbed, or assaulted.
"Of particular concern is the recent arrest of a gang operating in the Maboneng area that specifically targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community."
"For their safety, the committee advises the public to avoid meeting strangers from apps in isolated or unfamiliar areas, inform trusted contacts about meetup plans, verify identities through video calls before meeting, and immediately report suspicious activity to SAPS," he added.
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