DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Peggy Nkonyeni has called for an urgent investigation into the robbery of two departmental offices over the weekend.
Nkonyeni said the two incidents were reported over the weekend after two Department of Transport offices were targeted by criminals.
“In the Rossburgh office in Durban, criminals attacked a security guard. This has forced a temporary closure of the testing station.”
“Yesterday (Sunday) evening another DoT office in Eshowe was also targeted. Criminals handcuffed the security guard and went on to steal seven state firearms and keys for state vehicles.”
The department said both cases were receiving priority in terms of the police investigation.
Nkonyeni expressed anger at the fact that criminals were now targeting state institutions.
“The modus operandi seems similar in these two incidents. We are concerned that state institutions are being targeted. To have state firearms in the hands of criminals is dangerous. We appeal to the police to urgently find these criminals and recover state assets,” Nkonyeni said.
The department has assigned a management team to visit the two centres to investigate measures to improve security.
The MEC also called on the community with information to work with the police in solving the matter fast.
Earlier, police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said Eshowe police were looking for information on suspects who robbed the Eshowe Road Traffic Inspectorate on Sunday night at 10.15pm.
Mbele said when police arrived a security guard alleged that while he was conducting his duties, he was accosted by four armed men who tied him up.
“The suspects broke into the premises where they stole 11 firearm safes, five firearms, 135 rounds of ammunition and 10 vehicle keys with their respective petrol cards before they fled the scene,” Mbele said.
“A case of business robbery has been opened at Eshowe SAPS for further investigation.
“Eshowe police are appealing to the community to assist with any information regarding the aforementioned robbery that took place at the Eshowe Road Traffic Inspectorate. Those who may be able to assist are requested to kindly contact Eshowe SAPS on 035 473 4237/Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or information can be communicated via the MySAPS app.”
Daily News