Thieves cLean out police station

Updated on: 26 June,2010 09:22 AM IST |
Agencies |

South African police on the hunt after thieves didn't leave even the kitchen sink

South African police on the hunt after thieves didn't leave even theu00a0kitchen sink

The office was under renovation and ready for re-occupation when the thieves hit, South Africa's Times Newspaper reported.

The robbers helped themselves to everything of value - including doors, cupboards, basins, cutlery, tiles, furniture, electrical equipment and mortuary fridges.

Small space

Officers from the Carletonville police station, west of Johannesburg, have had to cram into three small rooms.
The space is inadequate, and there are no holding cells or parking spaces. The rent costs the police about 127,000 rand (Rs 8 lakh) each month.

It is not clear how the burglars managed to clean out the office without being detected by the security company contracted by the Department of Public Works to guard the premises.

Democratic Alliance police spokesperson Dianne Kohler Barnard said that the Department of Public Works had "failed taxpayers".

"How bizarre, that the police will now have to investigate a crime committed at a police station."

"It's absolutely terrible, but typical of Public Works. For them to allow that place to be stripped is outrageous," she said.

Public Works spokesperson Thami Mchunu said he was still gathering information about the incident.
"I will give you the full details as soon as possible," he said.

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