So help me guard: Armed robbers tie up Eastern Cape Treasury security officer, steal minibus

Eastern Cape Treasury office in Bhisho

Google Street View,Google Maps,taken 2025

Two balaclava-clad men threatened a security guard with firearms and stole a minibus taxi from the Eastern Cape Treasury offices in Bhisho. The provincial treasury has condemned the incident and plans to enhance security measures,which include electric fencing and CCTV cameras.Police have launched an investigation and asked for public assistance to locate the stolen vehicle and the suspects. The Eastern Cape Treasury has condemned the brazen robbery on Monday at its offices in Bhisho.

This after two armed men cornered and tied up a security guard before stealing the department’s minibus taxi.

The two men also made off with an occurrence book register.

According to Eastern Cape police,the incident happened at around 02:45 on Monday.

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Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said: “According to reports,two unidentified African male suspects,both armed and wearing balaclavas,entered the guard room where a security officer was on duty.”

The first man,Gantana said,threatened the security officer with a firearm,demanding keys to a state-owned Toyota Quantum that was parked outside.

The guard reportedly informed the man that he did not have the vehicle’s keys.

“During this confrontation,a second suspect entered the guard room carrying a firearm and cable ties. The security officer was strapped [around] both his hands and feet with cable ties. Shortly after,the officer observed the second suspect driving away in the state vehicle.

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“The first suspect then seized the occurrence book register from the scene before fleeing in the stolen [vehicle] with his accomplice,” Gantana said.

The security guard was not injured during the incident.

The vehicle is yet to be recovered.

Provincial Treasury spokesperson Mamela Ndamase said the department was exploring ways to enhance the security of its car park “as incidents relating to state vehicles are on the rise”.

“The interventions may include the installation of an electric fence and CCTV cameras,” Ndamase said.

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She added: “We condemn the incident in the strongest terms. This is a concerning and disturbing matter for the department,considering that it doesn’t only violate the security of the department and our valuable resources,but it also poses a threat to the lives of the security personnel that is guarding our premises and resources.”

Gantana said no arrests have been made.

“[Police in] Bhisho [have] launched an intensive investigation and appeals to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the suspects,the stolen Toyota Quantum (GGL 242 EC) is urged to contact the Bhisho SAPS or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.”