Robbery at Thafamasi paypoint in Ndwedwe
Armed robbers have targeted a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) paypoint in Thafamasi, Ndwedwe this morning.
At 8h00, whilst officials were busy with payments, five or more armed men rapidly moved into the pay site and fired a number of shots. They attacked a security guard and robbed him of his firearm. The men then made off with an undisclosed amount of cash that was already assigned to paymasters.
The gunmen then fled the scene in a South African Post Office hired double cab bakkie which had officials’ cell phones, belongings and work equipment.
Two officials suffered mild injuries as they ran for cover whilst others were left traumatised. No beneficiaries were harmed during this ordeal. A case of theft and armed robbery will be opened at Ndwedwe Police Station.
Arrangements are being made to ensure that beneficiaries receive their grants.
“SASSA would like to appeal to those who may have information on the robbery to contact the nearest police station. Whilst every effort is made to protect officials and beneficiaries during pay days, we would like to appeal to beneficiaries to also be very vigilant and exercise caution. We will ensure that security at these paypoints is ramped up to ensure that our beneficiaries receive their grants in safe conditions. It’s unfortunate that our clients had to experience this incident and that some officials were injured, this is a selfish act by these robbers who are placing the lives of the vulnerable groups under further financial strain. We appeal to law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to arrest these criminals,” says Mr. Themba Matlou, Regional Executive Manager SASSA KZN. -ENDS-
Released by South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) KZN
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