Staff Reporter
Two armed robbers disguised as security guards have robbed a Post Office in Viljoenskroon of an undisclosed amount of cash after telling staff they were there to make a delivery before turning guns on them.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele said in a statement the incident happened just before 17:00 on Tuesday as the staff were preparing to close for the day.
He said the two men dressed in clothes similar to those of security guards approached a 49-year-old Post Office security officer and told him that they were delivering paper.
“He opened the door and accompanied them inside,” Makhele said.
“(Once inside), the security officer was pointed with a firearm and instructed to lie on the floor.
“Together with another employee, they were taken to the back where another female employee was busy finishing her duties.”
The suspects, according to Makhele, demanded keys to the safe but were told they did not have them.
The Post Office employees were all tied up with cable ties and left in a bathroom at the back.
The suspects allegedly searched the cashier’s drawers and cabinets and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones belonging to the staff.
The victims later managed to untie themselves and realised they were locked inside the building but the perpetrators were gone.
They were assisted by other security guards on night shift to report the matter.
A case of business robbery was opened and the alleged robbers remain at large.
Meanwhile, five people have been arrested in Warden, eastern Free State, facing charges of house robbery.
The suspects were arrested by the Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team following a spate of house break-ins and farm attacks in the area.
It is believed the suspects are part of a syndicate operating around Warden and nearby farms carrying out house robberies, break-ins and theft.
The suspects are believed to be linked to a case that happened in Warden in April where property and cash amounting to R600 000 was stolen.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Warden Magistrates Court soon facing charges of house robbery, housebreaking and theft.