Winburg cops launch manhunt, after society money robbed at gunpoint

The Winburg police have instigated a manhunt for armed robbers, who allegedly robbed-off a treasurer of a society in Winburg, and fled away with a safe carrying undisclosed amount.

Lejweleputswa police spokesperson captain Stephen Thakeng said, a group of gun men barged into the home of a 53-year-old woman, a treasurer of a society called Matseko, and robbed her money belonging to the society, cellphones and a safe.

Thakeng said it is believed that these three unknown African men are Sesotho speaking.

It is alleged that the incident occurred yesterday, June 7, in the evening, when the alleged suspects entered the premises and threatened the victim to give them money.

“A 53-year-old woman was sitting with her friends inside her vehicle garage when three unknown African men entered. One of them who had a firearm called her name and the owner of the house responded its her,” said Thakeng.

“Then they demanded the society money and she responded that she did not have cash.

“She was forced inside the house at gun point to lie on the floor and she told them where the cash was – under the matrass.

“Apparently their faces were not covered and they further took the unmounted safe, two cell phones black
Nokia and Samsung. The suspects fled from the scene on foot,” explained Thakeng.

“She ran to her neighbours and requested them to call the Winburg SAPS members, who responded instantly and started the manhunt of these armed robbers,” he added.

Thakeng said a case of house robbery was registered for further investigation.

He also cautioned that, the police have sternly warned society members to not keep their money at their homes.

“Residents are sternly warned not to keep society money in their homes to avoid these armed robbery, as it is mostly suspected to be inside job. Because in this incident the armed robbers knew the name of the treasurer,” cautioned Thakeng.

Anyone with information leading to the arrests of these armed robbers, is urged to contact detective warrant officer Sanet Smit of Winburg Detective Services at 082 466 7678 or the police emergency number on 08600 10111.