A police officer stands guard during operation clean-up and rebuild following days of looting and anarchy at Ndofaya Mall on Mandela Day on July 18, 2021 in Soweto, South Africa. Photo: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo
Suspects made off with 13 firearms after robbing police station, Hawks offer R50k reward
Pistols, rifles and shotguns were stolen from a police station by armed suspects. The Hawks are offering a substantial reward for information.
A police officer stands guard during operation clean-up and rebuild following days of looting and anarchy at Ndofaya Mall on Mandela Day on July 18, 2021 in Soweto, South Africa. Photo: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo
Three armed suspects robbed a police station in the Northern Cape on Saturday, 31 July. This happened in the same week that two police officers were murdered and another two were hijacked in different parts of South Africa. The Hawks are offering a substantial cash reward for information about the robbery.
TSINENENG POLICE STATION ROBBED, HAWKS OFFER REWARD
According to a Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson, Nomthandazo Mnisi, three armed suspects entered the Tsineng police station on Saturday and posed as people who wanted to file a complaint.
However, while a police officer was addressing their apparent concern, one of the suspects leapt over the counter and aimed a firearm at her. Then, he instructed the police officer to open a safe.
The suspects made off with 13 firearms in total, including eight pistols, three rifles two shotguns and live ammunition. “No shots were fire and no injuries sustained,” said Mnisi.
The Hawks are offering a R50 000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects involved in the robbery.
“Anyone with information should contact the Hawks’ Investigating Officers, Colonel Mgcineni Sityodana on 071-481-2802 or Warrant Officer Bogacwi on 082-495-0819,” said Mnisi.
Alternatively, the public can contact the police’s Crime Stop number at 08600-10111 or use the My SAPS app. The information provided will be treated with utmost confidence.
MPUMALANGA COPS HIJACKED
On Tuesday, 27 July, two Mpumalanga police Constables were hijacked in separate incidents. One of the officers were shot by the suspects and taken to hospital for treatment and no arrests were made in that incident.
The other officer’s car tracking company managed to help police track down the stolen vehicle and two suspects – Jerry Ubisi and Fannie Sibande – were arrested and appeared in the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 28 July. Their accomplice managed to evade police.
Meanwhile, the five suspects accused of killing two Mareetsane, North West, police members and burning their vehicle with their bodies inside appeared before the Itsoneng Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 30 July, where they were remanded in custody until 5 August.
