Siyabonga Sesant
The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects who pretended to be complainants, but then robbed the Somerset East Police Station of an unknown number of firearms.
The brazen robbery took place on Sunday night at around 21:05.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said a manhunt had been launched.
He said it was unknown exactly how many firearms had been taken and that it would be determined once a proper assessment and investigation were complete.
“The suspects pretended to be reporting an accident which they said occurred next to a local restaurant,” Kinana said in a statement.
“As police officers were making arrangements to help them, one of the suspects jumped over the counter and started pointing a firearm at SAPS members. The other two suspects joined in and at gunpoint, ordered police officers to lie down.
Police officers resisted and during the struggle with these criminals, the suspects managed to access the safe keys while some of them grabbed firearms and ran away.”
He said the suspects allegedly escaped on foot and that was it not immediately clear if there were any getaway vehicles parked in the vicinity.
“The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla has immediately ordered the 72-hour activation plan in order to mobilise all resources that will help trace and track down the suspects,” said Kinana.
Police are investigating cases of armed robbery and attempted murder.
