Johannesburg – Police have shot and fatally wounded three cash-in-transit robbery suspects and arrested three others.
Police and private security companies on Saturday, (30 November 2024, raided the suspects at their safe house in Kwa Thema, Ekurhuleni.
Police recovered several heavy calibre weapons.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said: “Police crime intelligence members received information about a group of suspects who were planning to commit a cash-in-transit robbery and that they were to meet at a safe house in Kwa-Thema”.
A team of law enforcement agencies comprising several SA Police Service units including the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Detection, Counter Intelligence, GP Crime Intelligence CIT Team, and Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing.
CAP Specialised Operations and Tracker Connect were activated to intercept the suspects were also part of the law enforcement team.
“As the team pounced on the suspects at their safe house in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni, the suspects shot at the police, and a shootout ensued,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Masondo.
“Two suspects were fatally shot at the safe house, and the third suspect was fatally shot a few meters away, while about six others escaped.
“Police recovered two rifles, including an AK-47, a pistol, and magazines loaded with ammunition.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Masondo said two Toyota Hilux bakkies used by the suspects were seized.
“One of the bakkies, fitted with false registration plates, is reported to have been hijacked in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga Province,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Masondo.
“The search is underway for the suspects who are still at large.
“The arrested suspects are facing charges that include attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, and conspiracy to commit cash-in-transit robbery.”
