Police are investigating the circumstances around the theft of classified military documents during an armed robbery at the home here of a high-ranking Defence Secretariat official.

A police spokesman confirmed yesterday that detectives were investigating an armed robbery which took place at the Fourways home of Defence Secretariat director Mr Shamin "Chippy" Shaik earlier this month.

Although police are treating the case as an armed robbery, police sources said yesterday investigators were exploring the possibility that the robbery had taken place specifically to seize the documents.

According to police statements, Shaik was overpowered by two men, one armed with a weapon, as he was parking his car at about 9pm last Wednesday. [It be real?]

The suspects failed to start the vehicle, but fled with his wallet, watch and briefcase, which contained the documents.

Shaik was not injured. No arrests have yet been made.

With acknowledgement to the Cape Times.