Police are warning South Africans about a dangerous new festive-season threat after uncovering syndicates that use young women to spike men at clubs, taverns, and concerts across Mzansi.
Victims are often robbed, and in some cases, the attacks have turned deadly. As the country prepares to ring in the New Year, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said officers are deeply concerned by a surge in reported cases, particularly in Gauteng, the North West, and other provinces.
“The SAPS has identified a modus operandi used by syndicates to rob mainly men of their belongings,” Mathe said.
According to police, syndicates deploy young women to scout for targets inside alcohol-serving venues before luring them away.
“These syndicates use young women to target men in clubs, taverns, concerts, and other drinking establishments,” Mathe explained.
Once a victim is identified, the women allegedly spike the men’s drinks, after which accomplices move in.
“During this time, the men’s drinks are often spiked. Once the victim is incapacitated, the syndicate robs them, taking cars, cellphones, and money,” she said.
In some tragic cases, the spiking has had fatal consequences.
“Unfortunately, some men have died due to overdoses of the substances used to spike them,” Mathe added.
However, men are not the only victims. Police have also recorded numerous cases involving women who were raped, assaulted, or murdered after nights out.
“A number of cases have been reported nationwide where women were found raped, assaulted, or dead while returning from taverns, shebeens, and nightclubs,” said Mathe.
Some victims were left with strangers, while others were harmed by people known to them.
“Some of these women are found brutally assaulted, and some are murdered,” she said.
Mathe emphasised that drink spiking is a serious crime, regardless of the victim’s gender.
“Spiking, irrespective of who the victim is, carries severe physical and psychological consequences,” she said.
She urged both men and women to remain vigilant by avoiding leaving venues with strangers, staying in groups, and never leaving drinks unattended.
Mathe also warned young women against allowing themselves to be recruited into criminal syndicates.
“Women are urged not to involve themselves in criminal activity, as this often leads to imminent arrest,” she said.
Source – Daily Sun