The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has urged stokvel members to take precautions when withdrawing, transporting and distributing their savings ahead of the festive season, warning that predictable payout arrangements could expose them to robberies and theft.
The SAPS said the festive season typically brings an increase in cash withdrawals and the movement of large sums of money, creating opportunities for criminals to target stokvel members and savings clubs.
The police have encouraged members to consider electronic transfers instead of cash payments and to keep details of their financial arrangements confidential to reduce the risk of becoming victims of crime.
SAPS urges stokvel members to avoid carrying large amounts of cash
The SAPS has advised stokvel members and organisers to avoid withdrawing or carrying large amounts of cash wherever possible, recommending electronic transfers directly into members’ bank accounts as a safer alternative.
“Avoid withdrawing or distributing large sums of money at predictable times, locations or through routine arrangements,” police spokesperson Captain Nomthandazo Mnisi said.
The police also warned members against sharing information about payout dates, cash withdrawals, meeting venues and distribution arrangements with strangers or unnecessary third parties.
Members have been urged to remain vigilant when visiting banks, ATMs and other financial institutions, and not to accept assistance from strangers while conducting transactions.
Where handling large amounts of cash is unavoidable, the SAPS advised members to avoid travelling alone and to consider making appropriate security arrangements.
Police warn stokvel members against being followed
The SAPS has cautioned stokvel members to watch out for suspicious individuals or vehicles, particularly after withdrawing money from banks or ATMs.
“If you suspect that you are being followed, do not travel directly to your home. Proceed to the nearest police station or a safe, busy location and immediately contact the police,” Mnisi said.
The police also advised the public against displaying large amounts of cash in public or discussing their savings and payout arrangements on social media.
Stokvel organisers have been encouraged to contact their financial institutions to explore safer ways of collecting contributions, depositing funds and distributing payouts, reducing the need to handle large amounts of cash.
SAPS calls for community cooperation
The police warned that criminals could exploit predictable routines and publicly available information to identify potential victims.
“Stokvel members are therefore encouraged to maintain confidentiality regarding their financial arrangements and to remain vigilant throughout the payout period,” Mnisi said.
Mnisi said police will continue conducting crime prevention and high-visibility operations across the province during the festive season.
However, the police stressed that community cooperation remained essential in preventing crime and protecting residents.
Police urged members of the public to remain alert, take reasonable precautions and report suspicious activities to the police to help safeguard their savings during the festive season.
