Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt after armed suspects attacked and robbed Grootvlei Police Station and made off with three 9mm pistols, an R5 rifle, one shotgun and 180 live ammunition.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, when one pistol was forcefully taken from an officer and the rest were taken from the station’s safe.
He said the two suspects came to the station at about 6pm on Friday and posed as victims reporting a domestic violence case.
“They played victims as if they needed help from the two SAPS 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 10pm, complaining that their concerns were being disregarded by the members,” said Mohlala.
The suspects insisted that a door be opened for them and the officers opened the door to continue the interview and get more information.
“As soon as they let them in, the two suspects drew firearms and disarmed the two officials. The suspects then held the members hostage, tied them up with a cable and forced them inside the holding cells. They ransacked the police station, where they took keys to the safe and stole firearms with ammunition.
“One member of the public, who went to the station for services, was also held hostage as he came in during 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 cables as well and placed him in the kitchen,” said Mohlala.
The suspects then fled the scene while the civilian managed to untie himself.
“A 72-hours activation plan was put in place and police are on the lookout for the suspects,” said Mohlala.
Mpumalanga provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela condemned the incident.
“We will not rest until each one of the suspects is put behind bars and all firearms with ammunition are back in our hands,” said Manamela.
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