The Bloemfontein police are geared to make a breakthrough in the failed armed robbery attempt at the headquarters of the Free State’s Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) in the city.
The brazen robbers targeted important sections of the department, namely its supply chain and law enforcement units, on 13 August.
According to the department, on-duty security guards were not injured by the group of would-be robbers.
Mojalefa Mphapang, spokesperson for the department, said five armed men who had their faces covered with buff masks, forced their way into the department’s head offices at about 18:30. He said they capitalised on load shedding to access the premises.
“They held security officers at gunpoint and instructed them to co-operate and to not call anyone.
“They pointed out specific office areas, such as the supply chain unit, law enforcement, and protected areas on the premises,” said Mphapang.
He said the armed men had left the premises empty-handed, as they did not find what they were searching for.
“The motive behind this incident is not known,” said Mphapang.
He said security has been tightened to ensure the safety of the employees, and that security personnel are on high alert.
A case of business burglary and the pointing of a firearm has been opened for further investigation.
