Johannesburg – Police have tracked cash-in-transit robbers from Springs to Johannesburg, where one suspect has been shot dead and two others arrested along the M1.
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili has commended the swift reaction by Gauteng police for tracing and apprehending Cash-In-Transit suspects within three hours of the commission of the crime.
“The Cash-In-Transit heist took place at 17:15 on Wednesday in Springs when armed suspects forced a cash van to come to a halt,” said SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
“The security guards had just picked up money from various outlets and were on their way back to their base when they were disarmed and the cash van bombed.”
Brigadier Mathe said the robbers got away with an undisclosed amount of money.
“Gauteng police immediately operationalised information and maximum resources were mobilised,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“Vigilant members attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and the Johannesburg Flying Squad traced the suspects at 20:20 on the M1 south just before the Booysens off-ramp.
“A shootout ensued with the suspects who were travelling in a Toyota Quantum.
“One suspect was certified dead at the scene while two others were apprehended.”
Three rifles were recovered. Cash and two cellphones were seized.
Two empty cash bags, as well as implements used in armed robberies, were found in their getaway vehicle.
“During the shootout, one police officer sustained a gunshot wound and is recovering in hospital,” said
Brigadier Mathe, adding that a manhunt was underway for the remaining suspects.
Lieutenant General Mosikili said the police remain on high alert and ready to takedown syndicates.
“Well done to the team for the swift reaction, we continue to deal decisively with serious and violent crime in various provinces,” said Lt. Gen Mosikili.
“We continue to take down syndicates and groups involved in these crimes, either they surrender or we will continue to hunt and take them down.
“A speedy recovery to our member who is in hospital.”
In the past week, 10 158 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder and armed robberies.
Operation Shanela continues to register commendable progress.
