A criminal gang with intentions of committing a cash in transit (CIT) heist in KwaZulu-Natal had their elaborate plans unravel after law enforcement authorities in the Free State successfully intercepted the heavily armed individuals.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe provided insights into the operation, revealing that police had acted on intelligence regarding a planned CIT heist on Tuesday, 7 November 2023.
A tense standoff transpired between police officers and the suspects, culminating in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“Unfortunately, a 40-year-old security officer was shot and killed when the suspects who were travelling in a Dodge sedan opened fire. A shootout ensued and the dodge overturned, it was later discovered that it was hijacked in Wierdabrug, Centurion,” said Brigadier Mathe.
At the scene, two suspects sustained injuries and were apprehended by the police. Authorities seized a cache of arms, including an AK47 and an R5 rifle, along with over 240 rounds of high caliber ammunition.
Meanwhile, law enforcement intercepted other members of the gang in Memela, located around 52 kilometers from Vrede. In this encounter, three suspects were arrested, but the remaining individuals managed to evade capture.
“A manhunt has since been launched for those who fled the scene. At this scene, two Mercedes Benz sedans were recovered, and one has already been detected as stolen,” said Brigadier Mathe.
General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), lauded the SAPS team for their remarkable efforts in thwarting the gang’s heist plans. General Masemola has further issued a stern warning to potential lawbreakers, emphasising that the SAPS has initiated comprehensive festive season operations.
He declared, “Our members are on high alert to prevent and combat incidents of serious and violent crime, especially aggravated robberies. We will continue to trace these wanted criminals, it’s them and us and this is a fight we are not willing to lose. We have heightened our operations and are intensifying them throughout the country.”
As the police continue their relentless pursuit of criminals involved in the foiled CIT heist, we invite members of the public to share their thoughts and comments in the section below.
