Issued by Ministry of Social Development
5 July 2001
The Minister of Social Development Dr Zola Skweyiya has strongly condemned the robbery of about R200 000 of pension money destined for Eldorado Park in Soweto this morning, which also resulted in the unfortunate killing of one policeman, and has called on the community to co-operate with and support the police in their investigations.
"We condemn such a dastardly act. Such acts only serve to worsen the already poor conditions of many pensioners. We call on the community to rally around the police in their investigations to make sure that the culprits are brought to book soonest. We urge the community to work closely with the police in ensuring the prevention of such abominable crimes from taking place in the future. I would also like to send my sincere condolences to the members of the family of the policeman who was killed and commend the police for their courageous and quick efforts in trying to stop this robbery, said the Minister.
"The need for the improvement of security around the pay-points has become even more urgent and critical and I would like to urge the provincial government, the law enforcement agencies, the pay contractors like All Pay and the community to work even more closer in this regard," further said the Minister.
It is reported that the robbery took place near Eldorado Park, Soweto, when a gang of men open fire near a pay-point and ran away with about R200 000 (Rands) that was meant to pay out pensioners in the area. Two suspects are reported to have been arrested.
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