The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned the public to be extra vigilant at drinking and leisure venues as the country heads into the New Year.  

The SAPS has become aware of a syndicate using young women to spike men’s drinks at clubs and taverns before robbing them, with some victims seriously injured or killed. Some male victims are said to have died as a result of an “overdose of what has been used to spike them”. 

The SAPS noted several recent cases in various parts of the country, particularly Gauteng and the North West.  

“The main syndicate would monitor these females movements and assist them to find a possible target inside the drinking establishment.  Once the target has been identified, the women would move in, often promise to leave with the unsuspecting victim to another drinking place, their home, a hotel or even a guesthouse. During that period, these women would often spike the men’s drinks,” read the national SAPS statement. 

The SAPS advised that “cars, cellphones and money” are often stolen. 

Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, also urged women to be vigilant, as they remain vulnerable to becoming targets for similar crimes.  

“Women are also victims of spiked drinks. A number of cases have been reported nationwide of women who have been found raped, assaulted or dead while coming back from taverns, shebeens, nightclubs and other places of recreation,” she said.  

As such, both men and women are urged not to leave with strangers, to watch their drinks closely and to move in groups with people they trust, while socialising. SAPS advises the public to plan safe transport, avoid carrying large sums of cash and remain alert as police operations continue nationwide.

“Spiking, irregardless [sic] of the victims’ gender, is a serious crime with severe physical and psychological consequences,” said Mathe.  

As New Year celebrations get underway, SAPS said law enforcement agencies remain on the ground nationwide to ensure safety but urged the public to be “extra vigilant”, avoid drinking and driving, and to always prioritise personal safety. 

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