TWO Security guards were injured during an armed robbery at Batlhaping Baga Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority Hall in Taung on Tuesday. North West police said six armed suspects allegedly encircled the community hall and waited for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) employees who were supposed to hand over social grants to elderly people in the area.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said: “The suspects allegedly robbed SASSA employees’ undisclosed amount of money that was supposed to be handed over as social grants to beneficiaries. They fled the scene with a vehicle depicted with Gauteng Province (GP) registration number. No one has been arrested yet.

“The wounded security guards were ferried to Taung District Hospital with bullet wounds. They were later transferred to Klerksdorp Hospital while in critical condition. The police are investigating a case of armed robbery and attempted murder. We urge anyone with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward,” Funani said.

She added that the incident took place at around 10am.

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) secretary in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Mika Moeti said: “We are concern about the high rate of crime taking place in Taung. The criminals have turned the vicinity into their shell where they practice their criminal activities. We want to see more police visibility because now criminals and robbers infiltrate rural areas to carry out crime.

“We also want to urge our community members to be wary of criminals especially that we are heading into festive season. We will intensify our patrollers to ensure that Taung is the safest place during festive season. Crime affects our economy and the stability of our country.

SASSA provincial spokesperson, Smanga Selemeni said: “Those who were adversely affected were paid. You will understand that the money is insured and our contractor will replace it as pre-requisite. We have also beefed up our security enforcement and all those who did not receive their money were paid on Wednesday.”- Newsnote