PRETORIA – Communities are urged to also mobilise against ruthless criminals who have absolutely no respect for life and property, this after an 80-year-old pensioner was robbed and killed during a pension payout robbery in the Free State today.

Earlier today a group of armed men attacked and robbed a pension payout point having total disregard for the fact that the payout was being done directly opposite the Marquad police station.

Police officers at the Community Service Centre responded to distressing cries and screams which resulted in a shootout between the suspects and the police. Two suspects were shot of which one was killed and a second one wounded and subsequently arrested.

At least another four suspects fled with a cash box but in the process shot and wounded a security guard as well as shot dead an 80-year-old former police officer and fled in his vehicle.

The police recovered three firearms at the scene, a rifle and two pistols. None of the members were injured during the shootout with the suspects. The injured suspect has been detained in hospital under police guard.

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole has commended the swift and brave action by the SAPS Marquad Community Service Centre members. However, the National Commissioner has called on communities to mobilise together with police against these ruthless criminals. “We need to rally together against criminals to ensure that they are put behind bars for a long time”, said General Khehla John Sitole

General Sitole has conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased retired member and also wished the injured guard a speedy recovery.

We appeal to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to please contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. We also would like to encourage all in South Africa to download the MySAPSApp through Play Store on an iPhone or Android. This App will allow users to provide tip-offs, access closest police stations, the SAPS Website as well as the social media pages.

Source: South African Police Service