Brazen armed robbers have stolen over R750 000 from a post office in Athlone in broad daylight.
Just after 2pm on Friday, the post office in Little Road was targeted and staff were left traumatised after two men stormed the counters and demanded access to the safe.
A man, who was initially alone, entered the post office and stood in the queue, enquiring about purchasing a Lotto ticket.
After he was helped, he left but then returned with an accomplice.
According to a police source, the men stood in the queue again until they reached the teller’s window.
“When they got to the window, they produced firearms. They opened the counter’s windows and climbed through the windows. They threatened staff and demanded the keys to the safe,” the source explains.
Fortunately, the customers managed to get away, running out of the building.
“While the people ran out, two more suspects entered the business, but they were not armed. After the armed men forced an employee to open the safe, they told them to lie face down on the floor,” the source adds.
The men, who left through the back door, are said to have fled in a white BMW.
“After the safe was opened, a sealed bag and open bag of money was taken by the suspects. The estimation of that is R750 000,” the source says.
Police spokeswoman, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirmed that the robbery had taken place.
“Please be advised that Athlone police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a business robbery that occurred on Friday at a post office in Athlone just after 2pm,” she says.
“According to information, four unknown men, two armed, entered the premises and threatened the employees with firearms. Suspects took an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene. No shots were fired and no injuries reported.
“Police detectives are following up on possible leads with no arrests [made] so far.”