GQEBERHA – Police in Gqeberha is once again warning mourners and those who visit the grave sites of their dearly departed to be extra cautious and vigilant of their surroundings. This warning comes after a recent attack on a 58-year-old woman and her son on Friday, 06 August 2021 at the Forest Hills cemetery in Humewood.

It is alleged that at about 16:45, the woman and her son were busy at the grave site of her mother when they were surprised by four unknown men who threatened them. Their cellphones, the son’s jeans, takkies and jacket were taken. The suspects then went to their car and took items from inside as well. They fled on foot. Although they threatened to shoot them, no weapon was produced.  However, in previous cases, the robbers threaten the victims with knives and rob them of their personal belongings. In some of the other cases, they also requested for the vehicle keys and then steal whatever is in the vehicle. .

The area is quiet and the robbers lie in wait for their victims. There is also a thoroughfare through the cemetery which is often used by pedestrians and joggers. Visitors are also advised not to wear expensive jewellery and carry valuable items on their visits. If suspicious people (especially if there are two or more) are seen approaching you while at a grave site, try and make a hasty retreat or attract attention of other people if they are around.

Criminals have no boundaries and in most cases the vulnerable are easy targets.

Source: South African Police Service