On August 13th, a security incident occurred at the DESTEA head offices in Free State, South Africa. The incident took place during a load shedding stage when five masked assailants entered the building around 18:30. The following section provides an overview of what occurred during the incident, and MEC Thabo Meeko’s response to the situation.
The Security Incident
The five suspects entered the building armed with firearms and forced their way inside. They threatened the security officers on duty, instructing them not to contact anyone. One security officer tried to confront the intruders but was met with a gun pointed at him. The assailants then pointed to the office areas they were targeting, including the supply chain unit, law enforcement, and protected areas.
Four of the suspects entered the targeted offices while one stayed with the security officers. After a few minutes, the suspects returned empty-handed and gathered for a brief meeting near the entrance. Before leaving, they informed the security officials that they would be back. Thankfully, no employees were injured during the incident, and those affected were sent home to recover.
MEC Thabo Meeko’s Response
MEC Thabo Meeko expressed outrage over the situation and praised the rapid response by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the department’s management. The department opened a case of business burglary and pointing of firearm, and security personnel are on high alert. The DESTEA wellness programme plans to offer individual trauma therapy to affected employees.
MEC Meeko emphasized that the department will not tolerate any attempt to distract it from carrying out its mandate to accelerate service delivery, as serving the people of the Free State remains its top priority. He urged law enforcement agencies to work diligently in apprehending the perpetrators.
Importance of Security and Vigilance
This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of security and vigilance for government offices and the well-being of employees. The swift reaction by authorities and measures taken to support the affected staff demonstrate the department’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel. The ongoing investigation aims to bring the assailants to justice and prevent future incidents of this nature.
The department is focused on not only bringing the guilty parties to justice but also on reinforcing security measures to prevent future occurrences. The swift response and dedication to employee well-being demonstrate the department’s firm commitment to its mission and the people it serves. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness, ensuring that government offices are equipped to handle security threats and provide a safe environment for their employees.
