Frightening moment man steals woman's phone in Hatfield
CCTV footage from a Steers restaurant in Hatfield shows the moment a man non-consensually hugged a woman to steal her phone.
It is no secret that South Africans face the impact of crime, whether petty or serious, on a daily basis.
But just how bad is crime in South Africa?
According to data released by the World Population Review, our rainbow nation ranks fifth in the world among countries with the highest crime rate.
Among these, violent crimes such as assault, rape, and murder remain a huge problem in the country.
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South Africa also has one of the highest rape rates in the world.
This doesn't mean that petty crime does not impact the lives of residents daily.
Video footage from CCTV at a Steers in Hatfield captured the moment a woman's cellphone was stolen from her bag in the restaurant.
Watch here:
INCIDENT CAUGHT ON CCTV IN HATFIELD PRETORIA
— CrimeInSA (@sa_crime) May 14, 2025
Please assist us in identifying the suspect seen on the video stealing a cellphone. pic.twitter.com/8ILb2i3vgo
The victim appeared visibly scared and uncomfortable as the man moved closer and closer to her in the takeout area.
At one point, she can be seen shaking her head at the man as he tries to engage with her.
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It was during this time that the man threw his arms around the victim in a non-consensual hug, then reached into her bag and took her phone.
According to the CCTV footage, the incident occurred on Tuesday, 13 May, at 15:00 in the afternoon.
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Image: X/ Screenshot