Polokwane – Heartless thieves have overpowered a middle-aged woman in her modest Nkowankowa township home in Limpopo and stolen a lot of money belonging to a stokvel.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the 55-year-old woman was robbed of a large amount of money belonging to a savings club on Saturday, 6 December 2025.
Although the exact amount of money was not disclosed, traditionally, stovels – usually formed among friends, family, or community members who trust each other – share their pooled savings in December.
“The incident occurred at about 04:43 when the victim was returning indoors after fetching water,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
“She was overpowered by two unknown suspects, one pointed a firearm and demanded money.
“The suspects forced her into the bedroom, where they took a plastic bag containing cash in stokvel savings,and her cellphone.
“The woman was pushed to the floor and sustained injuries.”
The suspects fled the scene on foot.
Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident and reminded communities not to keep large sums of cash at home, especially during the festive season when stokvel-related robberies rise sharply.
She also urged communities to remain vigilant.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station or use MySAPSApp.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye cautioned communities to “exercise extreme caution when handling stokvel savings and other social-club funds during the festive season”.
The MEC Mathye added: “We are entering a high-risk period where many of our people collect their stokvel payouts.
“Criminals are watching, and they strike fast.
“We urge every community member to prioritise safety and avoid carrying or withdrawing large amounts of cash.”
