Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Saturday afternoon foiled a second cash-in-transit (CIT) heist in as many days.
The armed gang travelling in a stolen Grey BMW 320 was intercepted by the SAPS along John Voster Road in Centurion.
Following a shootout, two armed suspects were fatally shot by the police. Three AK47 automatic rifles were recovered.
On Friday, Police foiled a planned CIT robbery when they swooped on an armed gang in Sebokeng in the early hours.
A shootout ensued.
At least eight suspects were shot dead on the scene and another wounded suspect died at the hospital.
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Commenting on the matter, SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the police actions were part of their Easter integrated and joint law enforcement operations across the country.
Apart from the swoops on CIT gangs, the SAPS also swooped on suspected drug dealers in Eldorado.
At least six drug dealers were arrested by the National Intervention Unit (NIU) responsible for investigating gang-related activities in Eldorado Park and surrounding communities.
This brings the total number of drug dealers arrested in Eldorado Park to 13 after seven more were arrested on Thursday in extension 4.
The police swooped on several houses, where drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, and Mandrax were found. Cash was also seized.
In another operation in Sebokeng, the SAPS National Anti Kidnapping Task Team rescued two teenage boys after they were kidnapped in the South of Johannesburg.
Three suspects have since been arrested.
Meanwhile, SAPS said “high-density” anti-crime operations were being intensified throughout the country with a focus on seizing illegal firearms, illicit drugs, and stolen motor vehicles.
Heightened police visibility includes roadblocks, patrols, and search-and-seizure operations.
SAPS said its goal was “to ensure that all in South Africa can enjoy their well-deserved Easter break in a safe and secure environment”.
SAPS warned that criminals seek to prey on people while they are relaxed.
While people enjoy themselves, SAPS said they should still be aware of their surroundings and take steps to secure their loved ones and property.
“We continue to urge our communities to continue to exercise discipline and restraint,” said General Fannie Masemola.
“We call on all people to continue to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, to abide by the rules of the road and not to drink and drive,”
While Communities are urged to remain extra vigilant, they are also encouraged to continue to report criminality to the crime stop number on 0860010111.
General Masemola said so far he was “satisfied” with the police efforts to tackle crimes.
