Multiple Robberies in Northpine
Reporter:- Casmino Jacobs
Kraaifontein – The Northpine community is on high alert following a series of robberies targeting schoolchildren in the area.
Reports surfaced on the “Ward 7 Northpine 1” WhatsApp group, which has approximately 1,000 members, detailing alarming incidents of violent attacks and muggings.
At approximately 14:15, a community member shared a distressing voice recording, stating, “We need security at Doornhoek Street. They hit a boy and struck him with a spade.” Just minutes later, at 14:18, another member described three suspects involved in a separate robbery:
- Three young males
- All wearing grey sweatpants
- One had no top on
- One wore a beanie
- One was seen running with a yellow hoodie in hand
Concerned about the escalating situation, community member Casmino took it upon himself to track down the suspects. While on his way to a client, he had to cancel his appointment and instead followed up on reports of the attackers’ whereabouts.
At approximately 14:35, near the intersection of L.O. Rall and La Boheme Avenue, Casmino witnessed a City truck driver confronting two individuals fitting the suspects’ descriptions. The driver scolded them, saying, “Julle moet gaan werk vir goed. Julle kan mos nie die kinders rob nie!” (“You must work for your things; you cannot rob the children!”).
Casmino engaged with the suspects, warning them in strong terms that their actions would not go unpunished. One of the suspects, known as Glen, eventually returned the stolen phone but allegedly threatened retaliation, stating that gangsters would target Casmino and that he would be shot.
Community members expressed their frustration with law enforcement, stating that officers were reluctant to take action. One officer reportedly refused to intervene, citing legal constraints, and only after Casmino threatened to escalate the matter to JP Smith did a LEAP officer get involved. The LEAP officer handled the situation professionally, but another law enforcement official allegedly tried to intimidate the officer into dropping the case.
Further investigation led to the revelation that Glen had been involved in previous robberies, including an incident last week where he allegedly mugged a female student from Northpine Technical High School.
The Northpine community is calling for urgent intervention from law enforcement to address the rising crime wave. Parents are advised to be extra vigilant and ensure their children travel in groups when commuting through high-risk areas.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to report it to the authorities. The community is also encouraged to strengthen neighborhood watch efforts to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents.
