Suspects busted in an attempted CIT robbery, firearms, dozens of ammunition and stolen vehicle confiscated

NELSRUIT – The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed his excitement following a significant breakthrough in the fight against Cash-In-Transit robberies. Thanks to the team consisting of members from intelligence, Tracking team from Limpopo, in conjunction with Tracking team members from Mpumalanga, Crime Prevention members from Vosman and Fidelity Special Service. As a result of their partnership, four suspects, aged between 30 and 49 were arrested in Vosman.

According to a report, the success of this operation was made possible by the proactive efforts of Crime Intelligence, which provided crucial information about the suspects’ plans. This information enabled a joint team to operationalise and strategically position themselves along the R545 Road, heading to Ogies.

Upon spotting the suspects attempting to carry out the robbery in a white Mercedes-Benz Sedan, of which they failed, the members were able to intervene and prevented the attack on the security cash truck. The suspects then fled the scene in several other vehicles including a blue BMW 330i Sedan and charcoal Kia SUV. A high speed chase ensued, with law enforcement agencies successfully intercepting the suspects in the Vosman Policing area.

During the arrest, the suspects were found in position of three AK-47 rifles with six magazines as well as 134 live rounds of ammunition, one 9 mm pistol with two magazines and 27 live ammunition. Additionally, hand gloves as well as balaclavas were confiscated during the arrest.

The vehicles used in the attempted robbery were seized for further investigation with preliminary findings revealing that the Mercedes-Benz was reported stolen in Kabokweni last month (July 2024). The suspects will face multiple charges, including possession of prohibited firearms, possession of presumed stolen vehicle, and conspiracy to commit a robbery.

The suspects are due to appear at Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court soon with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) taking over the investigation. The confiscated firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether these weapons were not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere hence Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects as the investigation continues.