There was mayhem after two masked thugs broke into the Eastern Cape treasury department offices in Bisho.
The police reported that on Tuesday evening, two male suspects, their faces concealed behind balaclavas, stormed into the guard room.
“The first suspect threatened the security officer with a firearm, demanding keys to a state-owned Toyota Quantum minibus parked outside,” said Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, spokesperson for the police.
The terrified guard, taken by surprise, confessed that he did not have the keys.
Armed with a gun and cable ties, the second thug entered, grabbed the security guard’s hands and feet, and strapped them down.
Suddenly, the second suspect was spotted driving away in the stolen minibus, and his accomplice grabbed the occurrence book before they both ran away into the night.
The security guard was left tied and shaken but unharmed in spite of everything.
Search for thugs continues
According to police, the search for the thugs has not resulted in any arrests. The registration number of the state-owned Toyota Quantum minibus is GGL242EC.
“Anyone with information regarding the suspects or the stolen Toyota Quantum is urged to contact the Bhisho SA Police Service or Crime Stop at 08600 10111,” said Gantana.
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, offices of the Mhlontlo local municipality in Qumbu, Eastern Cape, caught fire.
According to Mbulelo Jara, the municipality’s mayor, the fire destroyed key areas of the structure, such as the council chamber, an administrative office, and a local economic development room that contained multiple computers.
According to Jara, the municipality also lost its indigent register and other crucial documents. Police have opened an arson case and are conducting investigations.
The local EFF leadership has since charged that the municipality has long ceased to operate as a valid vehicle for people-centred governance and has turned into a hub for political meddling and poor administration.
