Latest news with #DavidRatau
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Car theft pandemic hits eMalahleni malls
A wave of car thefts has hit local shoppers after three vehicles were stolen and more than four others were targeted at shopping centre parking lots over the past week. The incidents have taken place at three different malls in eMalahleni. In one of the incidents, a man told the police that he had arrived at a certain mall's parking lot and locked his car properly before going to the bank. He further alleged that when he returned from the bank, his car, a Ford Ranger was no longer there. Police investigations are still underway regarding the incident. In the second incident, a man told the police that he arrived at a different mall in the city, parked his car at the parking lot, and then left for a restaurant there. He further alleged that upon his return to the parking lot, his car, a Toyota Fortuner was no longer where he left it. Another incident where criminals could not succeed with the car theft in a different mall, raised more official concerns about vehicle safety. The man told the police that he parked his car to go shopping. Upon return, he found that someone was forcefully trying to open his car. According to a local security company, the suspects appear to be working in groups, using remote jamming devices and other tools to break into vehicles while they are parked. Witbank Police are urging motorists to take extra precautions when parking at public places. Spokesperson, Sergeant David Ratau, advised motorists to use steering locks, vehicle alarms, and secure tracking devices. 'Drivers should make sure their vehicles are parked in safe spaces and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Being alert and parking in well-monitored areas can make a big difference,' he added. Local security companies are advising shoppers to double-check that their cars are locked and to report any suspicious behaviour to mall security or the police. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- The Citizen
Ben Fleur daylight robbery left motorist on edge – criminals flee with cash
The woman told the police that she was on her way to exchange US dollars when alleged robbers paid her a surprise visit. According to the police, the woman passed by her employer's place to meet a friend. The woman was still at the gate when she realised that there was a white car behind her car. The woman said as she was hooting, two men from the car approached her and allegedly forced her to open her window. The woman said that she didn't open her window for them, and that led them to allegedly smash her car's window with no luck. The woman then managed to drive inside the yard, and that was unfortunately not an escape for her. One of the men allegedly followed her and continued smashing her car's window until it broke. The man allegedly pointed a firearm at her and forcefully grabbed her handbag with cellphone, cash, and bank card. Sergeant David Ratau, Witbank Police spokesperson, gave out a tip in case of a robbery: 'Comply and remain calm. Do not be a hero; your life is worth more.' Police are urging members of the community to be vigilant at all times, as criminals' traps are always beyond their expectations. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- The Citizen
Relaxed lunch turns to tears as woman returns to empty parking bay in eMalahleni
Relaxed lunch turns to tears as woman returns to empty parking bay in eMalahleni A woman's relaxed afternoon took a terrible turn as she returned to an empty parking bay instead of her car. According to the police, a woman reported that she had gone to eat at a local restaurant last week when she was introduced to the worst nightmare of her life afterward. The woman said she had parked her white Toyota T-Cross in the parking area at a local shopping centre and gone to eat. Upon her return, her vehicle, including a laptop, was no longer there. Witbank SAPS spokesperson Sergeant David Ratau urged all motorists to be cautious when parking their cars in public spaces. 'Close and lock all windows and doors when you park, park in well-lit areas if possible, and you must never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle,' he said. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- The Citizen
Local Easter roadblocks see 28 arrested for driving under the influence
Local Easter roadblocks see 28 arrested for driving under the influence The South African Police Service was out in full force over the Easter weekend, and their efforts paid off with a staggering 28 motorists arrested for driving under the influence. According to Sergeant David Ratau, spokesperson from Witbank Police Station, the roadblock in the CBD was a huge success. 'We arrested a lot of drivers driving vehicles while under the influence,' he said. The police operation sent a strong message to would-be offenders: drink-driving will not be tolerated. Ratau emphasised that the safety of all road users is a top priority and those who choose to drive under the influence will face the full force of the law. Out of the 28 arrested, 26 were released after paying R1 500 station bail. However, two immigrants were not released and are set to be deported. 'We will continue to monitor the roads and take action against those who put themselves and others at risk,' concluded Ratau. The national office released a statement earlier and said 1 166 motorists were also arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during this period and 265 of them were arrested in Mpumalanga. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
