Police in Ritavi and Northam Seek Public Assistance Following Robberies

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is intensifying its efforts in response to two separate robberies that struck the communities of Ritavi and Northam. With calls for public assistance, the police are actively pursuing leads to bring the perpetrators to justice.

On the night of Friday, 23 August 2024, the normally tranquil Dan village in Ritavi became the scene of a harrowing house robbery. A family comprising a couple and their child was abruptly awoken by the intrusion of unknown assailants. Equipped with a firearm and a knife, the assailants overpowered the defenseless couple. Under the threat of violence, they coerced the family into surrendering their money and mobile phones before making their escape on foot into the night.

The same evening, some 24 kilometers away from Ritavi, in Northam block 05, a business owner fell victim to a similar fate. Enveloped in the quiet of night, his shop turned into a crime scene when a group of armed men forced their way through a back door, which seemingly posed no obstacle to their intentions. In a display of senseless aggression, the shop owner was struck with a firearm and helplessly watched as the assailants leaped over the counter, snatching cigarettes, mobile phones, and an undisclosed sum of money before fleeing.

In the wake of these crimes, SAPS officers arrived on the scenes to secure evidence and gather witness accounts. The officers' swift response led to the opening of house and business robbery cases, keenly tailing the scant clues left behind by the criminals.

SAPS has fervently appealed to the community for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to Warrant Officer Ronnie Baloyi for the Ritavi house robbery and Warrant Officer Thabo Makadikwa for the Northam business robbery. Those wishing to provide anonymous tips can utilize the Crime Stop number, local police stations, or the MySAPSApp.

Ritavi and Northam residents are now grappling with the reality of crime in their midst and the trauma left in its wake. Police investigations are ongoing as they seek to curtail the rise of robberies in Limpopo's small towns.