Nelspruit: – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has praised members of the police in Delmas for their swift response which led to suspects of CIT robbery being cornered at R42 Road in Delmas, and two arrested while the other two were fatally wounded during a shootout with the police. The incident occurred today, Monday 28 February 2022 near Delmas.
According to police report, a cash delivery van with two security guards was attacked by a group of heavily armed suspects. The suspects then tried to rob the guards of cash but their efforts were futile. Police were alerted and swiftly went to the scene and upon their arrival a shootout with police ensued. The police defended themselves whereby two suspects were fatally shot while two other suspects reportedly hijacked a Toyota Quantum minibus. The police managed to pursue the kombi and arrested the two suspects, aged 24 and 34. The rest of the suspects fled the scene.
Police managed to recover a rifle as well as magazines, jamming devices and police hand radios. The astute members further confiscated a white Porche Cayene and a silver BMW SUV which were allegedly used by the suspects in the said robbery.
Police are still on the lookout for the remaining suspects. Police are still busy on the scene and more evidence may be uncovered. The two suspects are expected to appear before the Delmas District Court soon facing armed robbery charges, possession of firearm and ammunition as well as possession of explossives. More charges could be laid against the suspects.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela further sent a stern warning on those who would take chances and target the cash delivery vehicles. “People should take note that the province of Mpumalanga is not a place where criminals can do as they like. The formidable team of our members is ever ready for meet fire with fire” warned the General.
