The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, has commended the swift reaction by Gauteng police in tracing and apprehending cash-in-transit (CIT) suspects within three hours of the commission of the crime.
The heist took place at 17:15 on Wednesday in Springs, when armed suspects forced a cash van to come to a halt.
The security guards had just picked up money from various outlets and were on their way back to their base when they were disarmed and the cash van bombed.
The suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of money.
Gauteng police immediately operationalised information and maximum resources were mobilised. Vigilant members attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the Johannesburg Flying Squad traced the suspects at 20:20 on the M1 south, just before the Booysens off-ramp.
A shoot-out ensued with the suspects, who were travelling in a Toyota Quantum. One suspect was certified dead at the scene, while two others were apprehended.
Three rifles were recovered, and cash and two cell phones were seized.
Two empty cash bags, as well as implements used in armed robberies were found in their getaway vehicle. A manhunt is underway for the remaining suspects.
During the shootout, one police officer sustained a gunshot wound and is recovering in hospital.
Mosikili said police remain on high alert and ready to take down syndicates.
“Well done to the team for the swift reaction. We continue to deal decisively with serious and violent crime in various provinces. We continue to take down syndicates and groups involved in these crimes. Either they surrender or we will continue to hunt and take them down. A speedy recovery to our member who is in hospital,” said Mosikili.
In the past week, 10 158 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder and armed robberies.
Operation Shanela continues to register commendable progress. Since its inception on 8 May 2023 , 155 970 suspects have been arrested.
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