As part of the safer festive season operations, police are intensifying efforts to protect communities. Residents are urged to remain alert in public spaces, including shopping malls, busy streets, and industrial areas, Free State police spokesperson WO Mmako Mophiring said.

Common robbery may involve criminals using force, threatening victims with knives or other weapons, assaulting them, or snatching their belongings. Criminals may also target people at ATMs, stealing their money or forcibly taking their bank cards.

Thabo Mofutsanyana district police are urging community members to take precautionary measures to reduce their risk of becoming victims of robbery.

Residents are advised to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to use cashless payment methods where possible. Police also recommend minimising cellphone use while walking in busy or crowded streets, both during the day and at night.

Mophiring urged residents to remain aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone in isolated areas, particularly when carrying valuables. He also advised the public to remain vigilant when withdrawing money from ATMs and never allow strangers to distract them during transactions.

Residents are further urged to keep valuables out of sight, avoid displaying expensive items in public, and ensure their vehicles are locked at all times. They should also avoid leaving valuables in plain sight inside their vehicles.

In 2025, nine police stations in the Thabo Mofutsanyana district recorded double-digit numbers of reported common robbery cases. These were Phuthaditjhaba, Harrismith, Makwane, Bethlehem, Namahadi, Tseki, Senekal, Vrede, and Warden.

Police are calling on community members to exercise extra caution throughout the festive season and report suspicious activities to their nearest police station or available private security personnel.

Mophiring urged residents to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to reduce opportunities for criminals to target unsuspecting victims.

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