Three armed skelms held staff at Maitland Post Office at gunpoint and stole about R200 000 in cash meant for Sassa beneficiaries.
According to a source, cops were called to the scene shortly after 7 am on Monday after the three black males gained entry through the back door shortly after the staff arrived.
“One of them had a gun and they threatened to shoot the staff and took the manager to the back and demanded the cash,” the source says.
“He gave them all the cash in the safe, but they demanded more and he told them there wasn’t any.
“It appears they wanted the Sassa money, but most of it was paid out on Friday already so hulle was ’n bietjie laat. But they got about R200 000.
NOTICE: Office is closed. Photo: Monique Duval and Solly Lottering
“They didn’t hurt anyone, but they stole a blue Toyota Tazz belonging to one of the staff and fled the scene allegedly in the direction of Dunoon.”
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel André Traut, confirms the case and says no arrests have been made yet.
SA Post Office spokesperson, Martie Gilchrist, says a Sassa payout was scheduled for Monday.
“We can confirm the incident, but is not in a position to confirm any amount that was taken.
“On paydays, the SA Post Office staggers cash drop-offs throughout the day in order to minimise the amount of money at risk at any one time.”
She says the post office will reopen as soon as police have completed their investigation.
In March staff at the Grassy Park Post Office were also held at gunpoint where skelms made off with R100 000.