SAPS issues urgent warning on drink spiking syndicates preying on men and women
SAPS sounds alarm over drink-spiking.
Image: The OurWhisky Foundation / Pexels
The South African Police Service has sounded the alarm following a rise in drink-spiking cases at nightlife hotspots as the festive season draws to a close and New Year celebrations continue across the country.
According to SAPS, criminal syndicates are using young women to target men at taverns, nightclubs, concerts and other places of leisure.
Several cases have been reported in provinces including Gauteng and the North West, where men who left drinking spots with women they had just met were later robbed and, in some instances, killed.
Men lured, drugged and robbed by organised groups
Police say the syndicates operate in organised groups, with young women allegedly sent into nightlife hotspots to identify potential victims while accomplices monitor their movements nearby.
Once a target has been selected, the woman approaches the victim and often suggests leaving together to another venue, a home, hotel or guesthouse. During this period, the victim’s drink is allegedly spiked.
After the drugs take effect, syndicate members move in to rob the victim of valuables, including vehicles, cellphones and cash. In some cases, men have died after overdosing on substances used to spike their drinks.
SAPS has urged men to be cautious, avoid leaving places of leisure with strangers and remain alert to suspicious behaviour while socialising.
Men lured, drugged and robbed by organised groups.
Image: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels
Women are also falling victim to drink spiking
Police have also raised serious concerns about women being drugged while attending parties, bashes, taverns, nightclubs and other places of leisure.
Some women were last seen leaving with strangers, while others left with intimate partners or people known to them.
Several victims have since been found raped, assaulted or murdered.
SAPS has stressed that drink spiking is a serious crime regardless of gender and carries severe physical and psychological consequences.
Women are urged to be vigilant and to avoid situations that could place them at risk, particularly when consuming alcohol in social settings.
SAPS has advised both men and women to go out in groups with people they trust, stay together and watch out for one another.
The public is encouraged to share their plans with trusted contacts, enable location sharing and never leave drinks unattended.
Police also advise limiting alcohol intake, drinking water regularly and arranging safe transport to and from places of leisure to avoid drunk driving and related offences.
As South Africans ring in the New Year, SAPS has called on the public to remain alert, avoid carrying large sums of money and refrain from drinking and driving.
Police say officers remain deployed nationwide, warning that complacency could have deadly consequences during the festive period.