Grootvlei SAPS robbed of guns and ammunitions on Saturday

Armed suspects attacked the Grootvlei Police Station during the evening of Friday (September 2) and the early hours of Saturday morning (September 3).

According to a media statement that was released by the office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, the robbers forcefully took three 9mm pistols, one R5 rifle and one shotgun as well as about 180 live rounds (ammunition).

An additional firearm (a pistol) was taken from one of the police member’s possession whilst the rest were stolen from the safe.

According to the report, two suspects arrived at the Police Station on Friday evening (September 2) at around 18:00 claiming to be from Soshanguve under the pretence of reporting a domestic violence incident.

They pretended to be victims needing help from the two members who were working at the Community Service Centre (CSC) regarding a female who was a victim of domestic violence. The CSC’s safety door was locked at that point and they initially left only to return later around 22:00 where they complained that their concern was being disregarded by the members.

At that time the suspects insisted that the door should be opened for them. The members opened the door to obtain more information. As soon as they let them in, two suspects drew firearms and disarmed the two police officials. The suspects then held the members hostage, tied them up with cable ties, forced them inside the holding cells and ransacked the police station where they took keys to the safe and stole the said firearms with ammunition.

One member of the public, who went to the station for services, was also held hostage as he came in at the time of the robbery. One of the suspects is said to have pointed a firearm at him as he passed through the door of the CSC. They tied him up with cable ties as well and placed him in the kitchen, seperate from where the two members were held.

The suspects then fled the scene with the robbed items and the member of the public managed to untie himself. He went to the holding cells and the members advised him accordingly to summon for help.

A 72-hours Activation Plan was put in place and police are on the lookout for the suspects.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela strongly condemned the incident and vowed that the perpetrators will experience no peace as they will be hunted down until they are all found.

“We will not rest until each one of the suspects is put behind bars and all firearms with ammunition are back in our hands. We have much trust and hope in the formidable team. They will surely bring the results soon” said the General.