Free State police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, tells OFM News that the two men entered the post office at about 16:55 pm, pretending to deliver paper. They were led into the building by an unassuming, real security guard whereupon they accosted him and two other employees with a gun. Makhele says the three post office employees were then tied up with cable ties before the duo searched for valuables. 

Makhele says the suspects demanded keys to the safe and were informed by employees that they are not available at the premises. They moved on to the cashier’s drawers where they found an undisclosed amount of money.

The duo managed to take the money and three cell phones before fleeing the scene. Members of the public with information are urged to come forward.

The incident bodes a similar resemblance to the robbery of a Botshabelo post office in November 2020 in which the accused pretended to be pest controllers, in order to gain entry into the building. Once inside, the suspects who were clad in personal protective equipment, ordered all staff to lie on the floor.

Pretend fumigators rob FS post office

They instructed one employee to open the safe which contained an undisclosed amount of money. Shortly thereafter they fled the scene with the cash in hand. 

In a twist of events, however, two of the suspects aged 37 and 39 years old were cornered at a filling station in Thaba’ Nchu over ten kilometres from the crime scene. Authorities found a large amount of money in the vehicle. The current status of that case is unknown.

OFM News