• A woman and her daughter were locked in a bedroom while robbers stole stokvel savings just hours after a stokvel meeting.

• Police warn stokvel members to use banks instead of keeping cash at home during the festive season.

A 54-year-old woman and her teenage daughter were locked in their bedroom while armed robbers stole their stokvel money in Limpopo.

The robbery happened just hours after the stokvel group met at the woman’s house in Strydkraal Block A village to discuss how to share their year-end savings.

The meeting ended at 7pm on Monday, leaving the woman and her daughter alone at home. At about 10pm, three men broke into their house.

“Three unknown male suspects broke into her house and robbed a substantial amount of money belonging to the social club and later locked the two victims inside one of the bedrooms before fleeing the scene on foot,” said Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

A relative later found and freed the two victims, who then reported the crime to the police.

This robbery is part of a growing trend of criminals targeting stokvels during the festive season.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe warned stokvel members to avoid keeping large amounts of cash and urged them to use banks instead.

Police have launched a manhunt for the three suspects.

Anyone with information can contact investigating officer Captain Michael Thobejane on 082 414 2415 or the crime stop number 08600 10111. People can also use the MySAPS app or report to their nearest police station.

Pictured above: Stokvel money distribution.

Source: Supplied