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On Monday evening, 5 July 2021, the R616 from Bergville to Ladysmith was closed to motorists following a cash-in-transit vehicle bombed during a brazen heist.
While information around the incident was initially sparse, the South African Police have arrested seven suspects linked to the crime. But it is important to note, as police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele points out, this dramatic crime was not the only robbery the shameless suspects were apparently involved in.
Colonel Mbele explains that on Tuesday morning, 6 July 2021, seven men entered a business in Upper Tugela, Bergville area, and robbed the employees of an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects then sped off in their getaway vehicle, allowing the victims to report the matter to the police.
Not long after the robbery, Okhalamba police received information that the suspects travelling in two vehicles were seen at a traditional healer’s residence for cleansing and protection. “Police proceeded to the traditional healer’s homestead in KwaDukuza where they spotted the said vehicle and approached the suspects,” says Colonel Mbele.
The criminals spotted the police and attempted to escape, running towards the Woodstock dam, jumping inside. Five suspects were arrested in the river, and two were detained at the homestead.
According to the police spokesperson, a 9mm pistol and folded packet from a security company were recovered at the traditional healer’s place of residence. She said, “Police divers are currently searching for the bag containing cash and firearms that were thrown by the suspects, as they were fleeing the scene.” The suspects may also be linked to two robberies, which took place in Ladysmith and Winterton.
Allegedly on Monday,5 July 2021, at 12:35 pm, a group of armed men entered a shop on Springfield Road in Winterton and demanded cash and cellphones from the employees. At gunpoint, they removed cellphones and an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing in their vehicle. A case of robbery was opened at the Winterton police station for investigation.
As for the third incident, the cash-in-transit heist, also taking place on 5 July 2021—security guards were travelling along the R616 when an unknown vehicle blocked their path of travel. “The occupants of the said vehicle shot at the security vehicle and as a result, three tyres burst. The suspects instructed the security guard to open the door and deprived him of his service firearm,” states Colonel Mbele.
The security guard then heard a loud explosion, and he observed the suspects removing cash from the vehicle. Thereafter, the suspects sped off in their vehicle with an undisclosed amount of cash. A case of robbery was opened at Ladysmith police station for investigation. The arrested suspects aged between 30 and 40 will appear in court, facing charges of robbery and illegal possession of a firearm.
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