Disturbing trend hitting one of South Africa’s estate hotspots

Centurion, one of South Africa’s most sought-after estate hotspots, is facing a growing security threat as home robberies surge in several suburbs.

Recent property data from Lightstone shows that Centurion is still a favourite place to buy homes, with over 20,000 transactions adding up to more than R25 billion.

Many buyers prefer estates with added security, making up 16% of these sales. In just two months, Seeff Properties recorded over R156 million worth of home sales, proving the area’s popularity.

Most buyers look for houses in the R2 million to R4.5 million range, while luxury properties go for R10 million or more.

However, this perception of safety is being shaken as criminals shift their focus to other parts of Centurion, where break-ins and violent home invasions are on the rise.

Fidelity ADT has issued an urgent warning to residents, citing a marked increase in armed robberies, particularly in Lyttelton, Doornkloof, Wierdapark, Eldoraigne, and surrounding areas.

Over just one week, six incidents were reported, with attackers employing increasingly bold tactics.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity ADT, explained that criminals have changed their modus operandi, targeting homes over weekends when families are more relaxed and security systems are often disarmed.

In many cases, criminals scout the area under the pretence of seeking accommodation before striking.

“Homeowners open their doors, only to be held at gunpoint. How you react in that moment can save your life or cost you your life,” Hattingh warned.

The recent wave of violence was tragically underscored on Monday (January 27) when a couple in Lyttelton was brutally murdered during a home invasion.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the suspect posed as a prospective homebuyer, gaining access under the guise of viewing a property.

Once inside, the situation quickly turned deadly as the victims resisted. Armed with a firearm and a knife, the assailant fatally stabbed both occupants before fleeing the scene.

This is particularly concerning, considering that robberies and burglaries are differentiated by the presence of the victim.

According to the South African Police Service’s definition, burglaries occur when a thief enters a home intending to steal while the victim is absent, while robberies happen when the victim is present and threatened during the theft.

Although the latest crime statistics indicate a slight national decline in home robberies—falling from 6,045 cases between July and September 2023 to 5,967 in the same period in 2024—the numbers remain alarmingly high.

Safety tips

In light of these developments, security experts urge residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves. Some key safety measures include:

• Staying calm and complying with robbers’ demands to avoid escalating the situation.

• Keep hands visible and avoid sudden movements that could be misinterpreted.

• Not attempting to negotiate or lie about valuables, as criminals often conduct prior reconnaissance.

• Observing and mentally noting details about the perpetrators, such as clothing, height, distinguishing features, and weapons used.

• Ensuring robbers are aware of any expected visitors or household members to prevent surprises.

After an incident, immediate steps should be taken to ensure safety:

• Press the panic button or call the police (10111) and request medical assistance if needed.

• Lock all doors and check on everyone involved, keeping them calm.

• Provide clear, detailed accounts of the event to first responders.

• Avoid disturbing the crime scene to preserve evidence for investigators.

The hope is that increased awareness and community action will help curb these incidents and restore a sense of security to one of South Africa’s most desirable residential areas.