POLICE WARN: Mineworkers targeted on their way to work

SAPS members at Bojanala FM raised awareness about hitchhiking risks and support available to victims of gender-based violence.

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – A lift from a stranger could end in robbery instead of a safe arrival at work. Police are warning mine employees to be especially cautious when hitchhiking between 02:00 and 05:00, following reports of attacks in and around Kanana, Meriting, Seraleng, Paardekraal and along the R510.

According to police spokesperson warrant officer Ofentse Mokgadi, victims have reportedly been robbed of their cellphones, with stolen devices allegedly used to access banking applications and transfer money from their accounts.

Preliminary information suggests that suspects, sometimes travelling in groups of three or more and using different vehicles, pretend to be heading in the same direction as their intended victims. Those accepting lifts are then allegedly taken to secluded areas and robbed.

On Tuesday 6 October 2026, Boitekong SAPS community policing officer sergeant Happy Mafora and gender-based violence (GBV) coordinator sergeant Mammy Tologu conducted a safety awareness campaign to highlight these risks. Police urged employees to use safer, organised transport wherever possible, avoid travelling alone and exercise caution when accepting lifts from unknown motorists.

The campaign also addressed GBV concerns, including incidents allegedly linked to liquor outlets. Tologu encouraged responsible drinking and reminded liquor outlet owners to comply with prescribed trading and closing times. She stressed that Boitekong SAPS’s GBV Desk operates 24 hours a day and assists all victims, including men experiencing violence or abuse. She also appealed to parents, guardians and community members to report suspected sexual offences against children immediately.

Phokeng SAPS also visited mines in the area that day, directly warning employees about the dangers of hitchhiking and encouraging safer travel arrangements. Police will continue patrols and safety awareness campaigns in affected areas. Mine employees and residents are urged to report suspicious people, vehicles or activities to police.