Officials distributing money to pensioners in an “unscheduled pay out” were attacked and robbed by a group of armed men in Joza. Teachers and children at Noncedo Pre-School opposite the hall had to lie on the floor to avoid stray bullets.
Officials distributing money to pensioners in an “unscheduled pay out” were attacked and robbed by a group of armed men in Joza. Teachers and children at Noncedo Pre-School opposite the hall had to lie on the floor to avoid stray bullets.
“We saw guns, they were firing shots and they all rushed into a van and sped away,” said a teacher from the preschool.
Spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said “It is alleged that one of the security officials was assisting an elderly male who was accompanied by a young male. As the officer advised the young male to move aside from the entrance, he suddenly pushed the officer into the foyer and produced a pistol, firing a shot and disarming him of his hand machine carbine.”
Several more suspects entered disarming two other security officers who were guarding the outer perimeter.
“The suspects made their way to the All Pay officials and demanded that the dispensers be opened. They broke open the third dispenser and as they exited the hall with the canisters several shots were fired, two of which struck a vehicle belonging to the health department,” Govender said.
The group of robbers drove the money van out of the hall, smashing through a locked gate and firing shots. Witnesses suspected that the robbers had been hiding behind the hall.
No one was injured but police are investigating a case of armed robbery and attempted murder.
Govender said “It is believed that seven suspects took part in the robbery. Their getaway vehicle, a white Toyota bakkie was found abandoned nearby.”
She said that the vehicle had been hijacked in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. The police have not confirmed how much was stolen but it is estimated to be tens of thousands of rands.
Station commander director Morgan Govender has urged residents not to approach the suspects who are considered “extremely dangerous”.
Police patrols have been increased, especially at pension payouts.
No arrests have been made and any person with information on the suspects can contact the Organised Crime Unit in Port Elizabeth on 041 393 6000.
