A disturbing incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 2025, in Diepkloof Zone 1, Rampa Street, Soweto. A woman suspect was caught breaking into a tenant’s room in one of the houses. When questioned by the community who were seemingly agitated, she claimed she was sent to steal electric appliances such as laptops and music systems but got scared. In a bizarre twist, she admitted to stealing perfumes instead, revealing a brazen disregard for other people’s property.
It has been alleged that there is a group of women who are organized burglars carrying a set of keys to break into unsuspecting residents’ properties. The community, already on high alert due to a previous theft incident in December, where a plasma TV was stolen, then forced the suspect to take them to the people who allegedly sent her. However, she led them on a wild goose chase, providing false information. The community’s frustration boiled over, and she was assaulted in an attempt to extract the truth as she was found with a set of keys that opened multiple doors in her possession.
The police were eventually called, and she was eventually taken into custody. However, the break-in victim and landlord declined to press charges, citing personal reasons. The incident has left the community shaken, with one neighbor (who wished to remain anonymous) expressing fears that the perpetrators may become more brazen and violent in future attempts.
We urge all residents to be cautious and vigilant. Ensure that you know and trust anyone who enters your home. Be mindful of strangers lurking around your neighborhood, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
We appeal to community patrollers and police officers to increase their presence in our neighborhood. We must work together to prevent such incidents and ensure our community remains safe. Let us look out for one another and report any suspicious activity. Together, we can make a difference.
A Community Policing Member Gabi Motlhwa, not her real name, related how she feels they are struggling to win against crime. “As a CPF volunteer, I have dedicated myself to fighting for justice and safety in our streets, but the recent events have left me feeling helpless. I wish, more than anything, that justice could be served, and that our community could be protected from those who seek to harm us.
We are deeply disheartened to report that the recent burglary in our community involved a disturbing twist. The suspect, a woman, was found in possession of a set of master keys that could open multiple doors. It is particularly saddening that the very same women who rightfully demand empowerment and respect are, in some cases, perpetrating crimes that undermine the safety and trust of our community. Despite our best efforts to apprehend the suspects and hand them over to the police, they are consistently released the very next day. This has led to a breakdown in trust, with the perpetrators becoming increasingly brazen and disrespectful.”
Oageng Matrase
Soweto Sunrise News
