Doreen Mokgolo
Police have launched a manhunt for three armed suspects who disarmed officers and stole 10 firearms from the Devon Police Station, Ekurhuleni in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
It is alleged the suspects entered the station saying they were there to report a hijacking.
The suspects then disarmed the police officers who were on duty and made off with those weapons as well as three rifles and seven pistols that were in the safe.
The Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng Lieutenant General Elias Mawela said they have deployed maximum resources in order to trace and arrest those behind the attack.
“We have also deployed the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) unit to the station to provide psychosocial services to the members,” he said.
None of the officers were injured during the incident.
Resident Thomas Matlala said they are concerned about the safety of the residents when police who are meant to protect them are robbed in their own station.
“The crime in the area is very high. We are forced to lock ourselves up in our homes as soon as the night comes because the criminals in this area are ruthless,” he said.
“We hope that this incident will get the attention of Police Minister Bheki Cele to help us fight crime.”
Resident Tando Mbonani said he is shocked by the incident.
“Are the police not trained and skilled enough to be able to fight crime and criminals? How were they overpowered by criminals in their own station?” he asked.
