Kimberley – Explosives and grinders were used in an unsuccessful attempt to open the safe at Pikwane Diamonds in Kimberley over the weekend.
According to the owner of the business, Trevor Pikwane, the burglars escaped empty-handed while leaving behind unused explosives.
Pikwane said that he noticed his business had been broken into after he went to collect files from his office on Sunday afternoon.
“I noticed that the side door was forced open. I went into my office and saw that the doors to the small walk-in room, where the safe was, were also open and that there were some explosives inside the room,” he said.
According to Pikwane it appeared as if the locks were ground off but that the safe was still locked. He added that the explosives that were left behind did not go off.
The burglars apparently used a table to climb into the roof to gain access to Pikwane’s office.
Although Pikwane tried to call the police on the 10111 number, nobody answered and he eventually went to the police station to report the incident.
“The police reacted immediately and they dispatched the forensic and bomb units. The forensic team took fingerprints at the scene while the bomb squad inspected the explosives that were left,” he said.
Pikwane added that a locksmith later opened the safe. “Nothing was removed from the safe.”
He said security footage could provide some answers.
“We do not have security guards on the premises but we have somebody who will come and study the security footage from the cameras.”
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mashay Gamieldien confirmed the incident.
“The police are investigating a burglary case after a business premises in Du Toitspan Road in Kimberley was broken into between March 17 and 19. The owner of the business discovered that the safe had been tampered with during the weekend.
“It is believed that explosives were used during the burglary.
“Nothing was stolen during the incident and no suspects have been arrested yet. Police investigations are continuing,” Gamieldien said.