Municipal operations at the Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality resumed on Wednesday afternoon after police concluded investigations into an overnight burglary that left a security guard wounded and disrupted services for several hours.
According to a municipal statement, the burglary occurred at approximately 2 a.m. at the municipality’s offices in Christiana. During the incident, one of the security guards on duty was shot and injured. The guard was immediately transported for medical treatment.
The municipality said it wished the injured officer a speedy and full recovery.
Following the shooting and burglary, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) cordoned off the premises to process the crime scene and collect evidence. Access to the municipal offices was restricted while investigators conducted their work, resulting in a temporary suspension of normal municipal activities.
The crime scene was released by police at about 12:30 p.m., allowing municipal operations to resume.
Preliminary findings indicate that the perpetrators targeted a cash safe used by FNB and Fidelity services. Municipal officials said the safe was allegedly cut open using a grinding tool and an undisclosed amount of money was stolen.
Authorities have not disclosed the amount of cash taken, and the circumstances surrounding the burglary remain under investigation.
The municipality said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies as efforts continue to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Municipal officials also appealed to members of the public who may have information related to the incident to contact SAPS.
While apologizing for the disruption caused by the closure of the offices, the municipality assured residents that steps are being taken to strengthen security measures and protect municipal property, employees and members of the public.
No arrests had been announced by Wednesday afternoon, and police investigations were continuing.