Money bomb around Joburg CBD
JOHANNESBURG - People in the city's cbd are falling prey to a crime syndicate.
Johannesburg Central Police have issued a warning about a new crime trend they have noticed in the CBD. Police spokesperson, Captain Xoli Mbele said they are investigating several cases where victims were robbed of their cash after withdrawing large amount of money. He warned the the community not to become victims of the “money bomb”. According to Mbele, suspects target people after withdrawing money from the bank (inside or ATM), adding that the suspects are females working with males.
Mbele explained that the suspects operate in a tricky way. “One of them will walk in front of the victim and throw the bundle of money on the floor then one of their accomplices will pick it up in front of the victim. Inside of that bundle are papers and on top they put one real paper money R100. 00 or a R200. 00 note. Mbele said the suspects will then tell the targeted victim to go and share the money because both of them have seen it. “Suspect will take the victim to a secluded place where his accomplices will join them. The victim will be assaulted and robbed of his or her money,” Mbele explained.
He urged community members to employ the following safety tips:
q Change direction if someone picks up money in front of you
q Don’t follow anyone who is telling you to accompany him or her to share the money, you might be the target
q Inform the Police or Security guards immediately when approached by such people
q If you notice that you are being followed, make a loud noise to draw attention. Police might not be far away from the incident
