Cape Town – Police in Limpopo say they have launched a manhunt after a group of armed men allegedly stormed a Louis Trichardt diesel depot and stole R5.5 million worth of fuel.
In a statement, police said that the group also ran away with cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening.
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“It is alleged that the manager of the depot, which sells diesel in bulk, opened the gate for a truck which entered the premises under the pretence of buying diesel.
“Suddenly, the occupants jumped out armed with firearms and took the remote control and cellphones from the manager. In the process, the manager was also robbed of cash,” said Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
The perpetrators then forced him to another room and locked him in.
The other four employees were robbed of cell phones, tied up with cable ties and locked in separate rooms.
“During the robbery, a company driver who was sitting in a truck parked at the premises was shot and seriously injured. The suspects then came in driving six trucks and filled them up with diesel worth R5, 5 million before they drove off.
“Police were called and on arrival at the scene, they found the injured man aged 43. He was taken to the hospital,” said Mojapelo.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that the registration plate fitted onto one of the trucks belonged to a Volvo sedan in Gauteng province.
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The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has, meanwhile, instructed task team members to hunt down the suspects involved and bring them to book.
“Anyone with information is requested to contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 0798945501 or call the toll free number 08600 10111 or may contact the nearest police station,” said Mojapelo.
Police investigations are continuing.
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