MUSIC CAFÉ TIGHTENS SECURITY AFTER THEFTS

Chiara Dover

@chiaradoverr

 

On Wednesday evening, 30 July 2025, a night out to Music Cafe took an unexpected turn. As most Potchefstroom residents know Wednesday night is karaoke night at the local bar in Chief Albert Luthuli Drive, six phones were stolen. 

 

During just another jam-packed evening at Music Cafe, the client friendly restaurant/bar was the scene  of a crime where an estimated amount of four to five phones were stolen. The person whose identity is known to Wapad exclaimed that there were some clients who seemed slightly suspicious to their friend group, but nothing further was out of the ordinary. 

 

As champagne bottles were being auctioned off to the most spirited students and willing volunteers were attempting to sing the words to well-known songs, this victim of theft realised that her phone was missing at around 23:42 whilst standing at the bar completely surrounded by strangers. This lady then searched the bathroom and backtracked her steps through the night to find where she might have left it, but there was no trace of her cellular device. It had immediately been turned off. As they were searching, her friend realised that her phone was missing. 

 

They went to the bartenders, which were the closest, to report the missing cellphones, which was then communicated to the bouncers. The bouncers reacted by searching the suspicious clients, but found no trace of these stolen devices. Originally, the student who made contact with Wapad knew of three confirmed stolen phones all in the same evening, but apparently more cellphones were taken. We have no confirmation of this.

 

When asked whether the student reported the theft to the authorities, she replied that there was no point, considering that the phone was turned back the next day only for them to find that the guilty party was in Pretoria. No further such cases have been reported to Wapad.

 

Music Cafe released a press release on Monday, 11 August 2025, on their Instagram story where they stated that six phones were in fact stolen,  however two additional phones were handed in by patrons who found them unattended within the venue. “Upon becoming aware of the situation, our staff and management immediately reviewed security camera footage to identify any suspicious individuals and prevent further thefts. Our team acted quickly and diligently to locate those responsible, in line with our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who comes to Music Cafe to enjoy their night. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in identifying those responsible in real time.”

 

Fortunately, the individuals responsible for the thefts at the karaoke night have been apprehended at another local venue, Impala, and the situation has been handled by the relevant authorities.

 

Music Cafe also partnered with CB Security, according to their press release, to ensure more security checks during event nights and nights where there will be a high level traffic. Music Cafe has also posted a R5 000 reward on their Instagram story for catching anyone who pickpockets with the heading ‘DON’T TOUCH MY PHONE’ and the slogan: ‘YOUR SAFETY FIRST’.

 

Although this is a scarce incident to take place, considering the safety that Potchefstroom and the NWU provides to students, it is a wake-up call to not get too comfortable especially in a public setting where there is high traffic of people. Be on the look out for such theft and stay safe.

A picture of the sign and slogan of Music Cafe (Source: Chiara Dover)

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo