Picture: The Engen Garage in Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Taung have launched a manhunt after six armed men allegedly robbed the Engen Petrol Filling Station in Taung. It is alleged that six suspects allegedly ambushed two security guards who were on duty at the time.
The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Two security guards who were on duty at the Engen Garage in Taung, were ambushed by two suspects, who another four suspects later joined.
“They tried to gain access to the safe but failed. The suspects managed to get away with an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes. The business robbery case was opened and investigations are underway.”
Meanwhile, one of the owners of the Engen Garage, Lekwene Mahura said, the suspects allegedly tried to break down the wall to gain access, but their move was futile. Mahura further stated, however, the suspects managed to gain access to the office, where the safe is through the roof.
“I know that these suspects tried to open the safe, but failed. So, they stole cigarettes before they fled the scene. If they managed to take any cash, it was not enough. Normally, we close at around 10pm, so it is alleged that, these suspects ambushed the security guards at around 00:00am and held them hostage until around 4am.
“Firstly, they tried to break the wall, but couldn’t and used a grinder to gain access into the office, where the safe is. They tried to open the safe using grinder, but they could cut open some layers on the safe. We received a call at around 5am regarding the incident and rushed to the scene,” he said.
He added that, the suspects damaged the server of the CCTV cameras in the process. Mahura said they would like to assure their customers that, the situation has returned to normalcy and they have opened for business.
TaungDailyNews 