Criminals get away with R1 million worth of property – City offers R50 000 for information leading to their arrest

Last week, 10 criminals tied up security personnel at the Region A City of Johannesburg offices in Midrand and made off with computers and other goods estimated to be worth about R1 million.

It is alleged that the criminals overpowered the security personnel and stripped them of their uniform.  The criminals then wore the uniform and pretended to be security personnel.

The alarm system to the premises was activated and the armed response security personnel responded.  When they arrived the criminals showed around the place and told them that nothing was wrong.  The armed response security personnel then left the building.

A truck then arrived and the criminals loaded the goods before driving off.

In a separate incident, criminals broke into the Rabie Ridge library and made off with goods to the value of about R70 000.

“I was informed that there was no security officer stationed at the library during the beak in. The City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service Department (GFIS) is currently on-site working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book,” said City of Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba.

The City is offering a reward of R50 000 for information that will lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of those that were involved in the robbery and Rabie Ridge library break in.

Historically these criminals have operated with impunity, and those days are in fact coming to an end.

“I would like to encourage anyone who might have information about the robbery and the break in to please contact our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein or contact Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya on 081 462 2939,” he concluded.