Police chief activates 72-hour plan after armed gang robs security firm

National police commissioner Gen Khehla Sitole ordered a 72-hour activation plan on Saturday after a cash heist at a security company in Pretoria.

A police statement said a group of armed men, dressed in what appeared to be Fidelity uniforms and balaclavas, entered the company's premises in Hercules and held the guards at gunpoint.

They assaulted some employees before robbing them of an undisclosed amount of money.

"Various disciplines from the South African Police Service, including crime intelligence and forensic experts as well as the Hawks ... are currently at the crime scene conducting preliminary investigations," said a police statement.

"Members of the top management of the Fidelity Group are also at the scene assisting detectives while also trying to ascertain the extent of the loss incurred.

Fidelity Services Group CEO Wahl Bartmann said two guards were injured during the raid early on Saturday and a “limited amount” of cash was stolen.

“[The robbers] were not able to access the vaulting area. We are currently reviewing all our video footage with our specialised intervention units and the SA Police Service,” he said.

Bartmann said business would continue as usual on Saturday and appealed to anyone with information to contact Fidelity or their nearest police station.

TimesLIVE