A South African Police Service Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Mahikeng, acting on a tip off from Crime Intelligence arrested a group of alleged CIT robbers, again in the midst of planning a cash-in-transit robbery.
The Tactical Response Team arrested 9 suspects and recovered six firearms including one AK-47 rifle, handguns and an Uzi, several rounds of ammunition and four luxury vehicles including a black Jeep, an Audi Q5, a Mercedes ML and a Ford Ranger.
Earlier today, the team acted on information that a group was gathered at a house in Riviera Park, Mahikeng in the North West Province where they were planning a heist. While at the house arresting six suspects, four more suspects arrived. They noticed the presence of the police and fled resulting in a high speed car chase. During the chase, police fired shots at the suspect vehicle forcing it to a halt. Three suspects were arrested while the fourth escaped.
This is yet another major breakthrough, particularly from a proactive perspective, in our efforts to combat cash-in-transit robberies in the country. This follows the arrest of 12 suspects exactly a week ago in Midrand for also planning a cash-in-transit heist.
The National Commissioner continues to warn these criminals that their days are over. “If these criminals were not aware before that we have infiltrated their criminal operations, they most certainly will know now that we know about their activities”, said General Sitole.
“We will continue in our efforts to ensure that people in South Africa are and feel safe and criminals should know that there is no place for them among our law-abiding people”, added General Sitole.
A docket of conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles is being registered.
In the meantime, the firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to establish if they were used to commit other crimes.
