Head of Department, Siboniso Mbhele accompanied by the Durban Region’s chief director, Muziwakhe Sithole and Metro Cost Centre manager, Sizwe Mvelase engaged with the Metro Cost Centre staff in Merebank after the robbery and rape there. Picture: Supplied
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has expressed shock and dismay following the assault and rape of three female security officers at its offices in Merebank, Durban.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when heavily armed criminals invaded the premises.
Police reports indicate that the assailants entered the Department of Transport offices around 2.30am where they took three male security officers from the contracted private security company hostage.
In a separate room, three female officers were held at gunpoint and subjected to sexual assault and rape. The criminals also made off with departmental work tools used for road maintenance and other assets.
The affected female staff have undergone medical examinations, and cases have been officially reported to the police. An investigative team has been deployed to the scene to prioritise the case.
In response to the incident, the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, delegated the Head of Department, Siboniso Mbhele, to urgently visit the site and engage with traumatised staff members.
After meeting with office management and staff, Mr Mbhele emphasised the need to enhance security within departmental offices and urged the police to swiftly apprehend the suspects.
“Our staff are in fear after this incident. This will affect the morale and seriously impact on service delivery. The cruelty by these criminals against female security officers is unacceptable. Crime against women must be condemned by all of us, worse during such a critical campaign of no violence against women and children. We appeal to the police to activate a high-level investigating team and soon bring these heartless criminals to book. We are also addressing the security improvement in our premises to protect staff and our equipment. We appeal to members of the community to work with the police in reporting anyone who is selling departmental equipment,” said Mr Mbhele.
Mr Mbhele said psychosocial services have been arranged to support the affected staff members, allowing them to resume their daily duties.
The Department of Transport in eThekwini has previously been targeted by a criminal syndicate, with staff members facing armed attacks and theft of equipment.
In a separate incident, a departmental grader was recovered in Camperdown.