RUSTENBURG HERALD - BOITEKONG - The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Boitekong is investigating a case of robbery with a firearm and contravention of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act following an incident that occurred near the Power Station by the Boitekong robots on the night of Saturday, 27 September.
According to reports, the complainant, who was on guard duty, was suddenly attacked by three unknown males believed to be Sotho-speaking. The suspects were all wearing balaclavas and armed with pistols.
The armed suspects stormed into the guard room, held the complainant at gunpoint, and forced him into another room. He was struck on the head with a hard object and lost consciousness. Upon regaining composure at approximately 05:00 the following morning, he discovered that his hands had been tied behind his back with shoelaces and his cellphone was missing.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had vandalised three transformers, stripping them of copper cables valued at an estimated R1.5 million. The suspects fled the scene, and vehicle keys believed to belong to them were later found on the ground near the crime scene.
The Acting District Commissioner, Brig Mamotsamai Ntoagae, strongly condemned the incident and reiterated that attacks on essential infrastructure not only cause significant financial losses but also disrupt services to communities.
The SAPS has launched a manhunt for the suspects and calls upon community members to assist with information that may lead to their arrest.
Information can be reported to Boitekong SAPS directly or anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the MySAPS App, or by visiting the nearest police station.
