Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Nick Muller, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Marelize Boeije, and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moqhaka Local Municipality submitted formal written questions to the Acting Municipal Manager, demanding clarity following the theft of a large cache of firearms, ammunition, and bulletproof vests from a municipal building in Kroonstad.
We also demand the full inventory of municipal firearms and ammunition, whether licenses, permits, and firearm registers are up to date, who the designated responsible person for firearm management is, what security measures were intended to be in place, and whether all staff involved are properly qualified and competent.
According to information received, the police in Kroonstad have launched a manhunt after a break-in at the Moqhaka Parks municipal building in Kroonstad Central.
The crime is believed to have occurred at approximately 00:55 on Monday morning. An employee discovered the incident when arriving for work and found the alarm control box damaged. Upon further inspection, it became clear that the door to the Armoury had been forced open, apparently using a grinding tool. Inside, two steel safes had been cut open.
Preliminary investigations revealed that approximately 43 firearms, including 9mm pistols, revolvers and pump-action shotguns, along with around 1105 rounds of ammunition and six bulletproof vests, had been stolen. Suspects are believed to have gained entry by breaking through a wall near a bathroom area.
The DA will not allow this matter to be swept under the carpet. People must be held accountable. We call on the municipality to fully cooperate with SAPS and immediately tighten all internal security systems.
We urge residents to assist in recovering the stolen firearms.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Colonel Ben Bolsiek on 0824668530 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The DA will continue to monitor this case closely to ensure accountability, transparency and public safety.