GAUTENG – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Head in Gauteng, Major General Prince Mokotedi has applauded the investigation team for apprehending five suspects for theft of millions of rands in foreign currency in an alleged staged cash in transit heist.
This comes after the Hawks’ National Bureau of Illegal Firearms Control and Priority Violence Crime (NBIFCPVC) unit carried out investigation which led to the arrest of five suspects over the weekend in Bloemfontein, Norkerm Park, Rustenburg and Nongoma respectively for allegedly stealing approximately R30 million from Brinks Finance Solution.
It is alleged that on April 13, 2018, an armoured cash vehicle escorted by a sedan left the depot in Spartan en route to deliver the cash in Selby near Johannesburg. The vehicles suddenly stopped near Kensington. The armoured vehicle was then opened from the rear, three unknown males took the bags full of cash before they drove away.
The guards then drove away only to alert the employer about the ‘robbery’ a few kilometres away from the scene. They were subsequently found unconscious and taken to nearby hospital for treatment where it was established that they apparently drank soft drinks spiked with unknown substance.
The group; Nkosinathi Feni (48), Gabriel Mbhango (35), Siphiwe Hlungwane (45), Bavuyise Ndaba (30), and Petros Ndlovu (38). Four other suspects, including the armoured vehicle driver are still at large. The case has been postponed to Monday, 30 April 2018 pending further investigation whilst the five suspects remain in custody.
“The spate of cash in transit heists are a cause for concern. Our members will work around the clock to make sure that outstanding suspects are brought to book including the stolen money”, he concluded.
