During a brazen attack on a Cash-in-transit vehicle last night two of our police officers lost their lives , seven suspects were killed, and a woman was wounded.
Members of the South African Police Service’s Special Task Force (STF) and Crime Intelligence (CI) were following up on intelligence that a cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle was going to be attacked. At about 7pm last night a group of heavily armed suspects attacked the security vehicle and used explosives to access the cash along Hlabisa road, Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal
However, members from the SAPS teams, the STF and CI responded speedily which resulted in a shootout between them and the robbers. Seven suspects, a member from CI and the STF member were killed during the skirmish. A female member who was shot in the leg is currently receiving medical treatment.
Four AK-47 assault rifles have been recovered thus far. A BMW which was used by the suspects was reportedly used during other robberies including one recently at the Nongoma shell garage robbery.
The National Commissioner, General Khehla John Sitole has conveyed his deepest condolences to families of the fallen police officers and wished the wounded member a speedy recovery.
“This is yet another sad day for both the South African Police Service as well as South Africa at large for everytime the life of a police officer is lost in combat, the nation mourns”, said General Khehla Sitole.
“I offer my highest praise to the all our colleagues that have once again put their lives on the line to bring hardened and selfish criminals to book”, added General Sitole.
