/ 25 June 2008

Jo’burg airport cops robbed

Two police officers were robbed of their firearms and items were taken from their OR Tambo International Airport office, police said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Captain Dennis Adriao said the two were held up by six men impersonating police officers while they were on their way home on Tuesday at about 5pm.

”The officers were pulled over by three vehicles with blue lights and sirens, with the six armed with R5 rifles [and] dressed in civilian clothes. They disarmed them [the police officers] and took their office keys.”

Adriao said some of the suspects held the two officers hostage while the others drove to the administrative building at the airport.

The men used the keys to gain access into the building as well as to a secure police exhibit-holding facility, he said.

”A number of items were then taken, which would be identified once an audit, which is currently under way, is completed.”

Officers were released unharmed in a rural area outside Carletonville.

No arrests had been made. — Sapa