It’s hardly every day that a story about crime will make you laugh or, dare we say, touch your heart (in an ironic way), but that’s exactly what’s going on in the streets of social media. South Africans are sharing all kinds of ‘When Criminals Were Thoughtful’ moments, reminding us that even robbers have a sense of Ubuntu:
South Africa (19 July 2024) — You never quite know what you’re going to get when exploring South African TikTok and Twitter (X). Sometimes, you’ll find people questioning everything they know about Mzansi when someone posts a video in our country showcasing wonders many never knew we had—like enough snow to make a snow angel. Other times, you’ll find people remembering why they love our country so much sparked by something as simple as a robot dancer. But most times, you’ll find stories that’ll make you say ‘only in South Africa’—the kind that fills us with all new senses of appreciation, often in the most unlikely places.
What’s going on in ‘only in South Africa’ news today, you ask? Well, people are sharing ‘When Criminals Were Thoughtful’ moments, AKA the ‘Ubuntu Robbers’ of our nation.
After TikTok creator Vijev found himself on South African X, he found a curious tweet that sparked a whole new meaning to the term bitter-sweet.
The tweet that kick-started Ubuntu Robbers saw a user share that they and a friend were mugged on the border of Braamfontein/Hillbrow. However, the mugger then went on to escort them back to campus so they wouldn’t be alone because HE felt it was unsafe for them to walk at night.
It wasn’t long until Vijey became inundated with similar stories. Here are some of the best ‘When Criminals Were Thoughtful Moments’ shared by users:
“We were once hijacked but they brought my books back so I can continue with my education smoothly”—@vuyelwam86
“When robbers came into our commune, one of the robbers hugged me because he could see I was scared and he wanted to calm me down.”—@MN
“My family had a break in, they were baking. robbers asked if they could switch off the stove for them so the scones don’t get burned.”—@MaTea
“They broke into my place when I came back my dirty dishes were washed and the person also changed my bathroom bulb.”—@missV
“They came to rob my home and [realised] we were not rich [so] they came back the following morning with groceries.”—@Azania.Azania
“They broke into my place and took almost everything [but] left 1 blanket so I don’t get cold, left 1 glass for water/juice, left a cup for warm beverages, left a spoon, a teaspoon, 1 bowl and 1 pot.”—@mamello_sa
“Last year I was mugged by a gang back home in KZN then this year another gang tried to mug me [but] the first gang showed up and started fighting for me.”—@Justice_the_Prince.
“He allowed me to back up my pictures, gave me my sim, money for taxi fare and walked me to a taxi.”—@siwenkosi
These are just some of many, many ‘When Criminals Were Thoughtful’ stories, and if you’re keen to hear of even more head here!
@thevijev Replying to @TMG #greenscreen more of the greatest hits of the Ubuntu Robbers, part 2! More unbelievable stories! #comedy #funnyvideos #mzansi #mzansicomedy #funnytiktoks #satire #southafrica #ubuntu #southafricatiktok #SAMA28 ♬ original sound – VIJEV
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