Over 3 mln USD stolen from S. African Department of State Security

The South African Department of State Security confirmed on Monday that foreign currency worth 50 million rand (about 3.2 million U.S. dollars) has been stolen from its offices in Pretoria.

The money was stolen during a break-in on December 26 last year, spokesperson Brian Dube said.

"We can confirm that there was an incident, a break-in into our premises in Pretoria where undisclosed money was stolen and then subsequently a case has been opened with the Hawks (a special anti-crime unit)," said

Dube.

An investigation has been launched, he said, adding that those who are responsible must be brought to book so they can face the full might of the law.

The Congress of the People (COPE) has called on the State Security Minister David Mahlobo to give answers on the disappearance of the money, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

The party has questioned how there could be a robbery at such a secure building. They are also demanding answers on why the money was there and where it came from.

COPE spokesperson Dennis Bloem was quoted as saying, "We are asking if this thing can happen at the headquarters of intelligence how safe is South Africa when people who are supposed to secure our place can't even secure their own place at the headquarters." Endit