Pretoria – Police in the capital have launched an urgent manhunt for two women suspected of drugging a 23-year-old man before cleaning out his apartment of high-value electronics and cash in the upscale Silverlakes neighborhood.
The incident, which has sent ripples of concern through the normally quiet residential area east of Pretoria, occurred recently, with details now emerging as investigators work to trace the suspects. According to a police report and information circulating on community social media platforms, the victim was rendered incapacitated, allegedly through the use of date-rage drugs, before being systematically robbed.
The haul is described as significant. The suspects made off with what is believed to be a haul of cutting-edge technology, including an iPhone 17—one of the latest models on the market—as well as two Apple MacBooks and a PlayStation 5 gaming console. In addition to the electronics, an undisclosed amount of cash was also stolen from the premises.
The Incident: A Calculated Strike
While police have been cautious in releasing full details to avoid compromising the investigation, it is understood that the victim, a 23-year-old man whose identity has not been released, met the two women prior to the alleged drugging. The nature of their acquaintance is still under investigation, but sources suggest it may have been a social encounter that took a predatory turn.
It is believed that the women seized an opportunity to spike the man’s drink, rendering him unconscious or severely disoriented. Once the victim was incapacitated, the suspects are alleged to have methodically searched the residence, gathering portable, high-value items that could be quickly and easily sold on the second-hand market.
The PlayStation 5, a highly sought-after console, and the Apple products, particularly the latest iPhone, would have been prime targets for thieves looking to convert stolen goods into quick cash.
The Getaway: A Digital Trail
Crucially, the suspects did not linger at the scene. After allegedly loading the stolen goods, they are believed to have fled the Silverlakes area using an e-hailing service, such as Uber or Bolt. This detail provides investigators with a potential digital trail.
Police will likely work with the relevant e-hailing platforms to trace the trip. Records of the ride, including the driver’s details, the pick-up point, and the drop-off location, could be pivotal in identifying the women or at least tracking their movements after the crime. A source close to the investigation indicated that obtaining this data is a high priority.
A Growing Concern: Predatory Robberies
This incident is not an isolated one and fits a worrying pattern of crimes involving the use of intoxicating substances to subdue victims. In recent years, police across Gauteng have warned of “date rape” drugs being used not just for sexual assault, but for facilitated robberies. Victims, often targeted in social settings like bars, clubs, or through dating apps, are rendered helpless while their belongings are stolen.
The upscale suburb of Silverlakes, known for its relative tranquility and proximity to the Silver Lakes Golf Estate, is not typically associated with such high-risk criminal activity, making the incident particularly alarming for local residents. Community safety forums in the area have been placed on high alert.
The Investigation: Seeking the Public’s Help
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a case of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The two women are currently wanted for questioning, and their identities are being sought.
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the two suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
As the investigation continues, police have reiterated a warning to the public, particularly young people, to exercise extreme caution in social settings. They advise never leaving drinks unattended and being wary of accepting drinks from strangers or new acquaintances. For the victim in Silverlakes, a night that likely started with promise ended in a pharmacological ambush, leaving him not only traumatized but stripped of tens of thousands of rands worth of possessions.
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