FOUR SUSPECTS BUSTED IN AN ATTEMPTED CIT ROBBERY, THREE AK-47 RIFLES, A PISTOL, DOZENS OF AMMUNITION AND STOLEN CAR CONFISCATED

FOUR SUSPECTS BUSTED IN AN ATTEMPTED CIT ROBBERY, THREE AK-47 RIFLES, A PISTOL, DOZENS OF AMMUNITION AND STOLEN CAR CONFISCATED

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed his excitement following a significant breakthrough in the fight against Cash-In-Transit robberies.

"Thanks to the team consisting of members from intelligence, Tracking team from Limpopo, in conjunction with Tracking team members from Mpumalanga, Crime Prevention members from Vosman and Fedelity Special Service," said Mkwanazi in a statement to The Bulletin, "As a result of their partnership, four suspects, aged between 30 and 49 were arrested in Vosman today, Saturday 17 August 2024."

According to a report, the success of this operation was made possible by the proactive efforts of Crime Intelligence, which provided crucial information about the suspects' plans. This information enabled a joint team to Spring into action and strategically position themselves along the R545 Road, heading to Ogies.

Upon spotting the suspects attempting to carry out the robbery in a white Mercedes-Benz Sedan, of which they failed, the members were able to intervene and prevented the attack on the security cash truck. The suspects then fled the scene in several other vehicles including a blue BMW 330i Sedan and charcoal Kia SUV. A high-speed chase ensued, with law enforcement agencies successfully stopping the suspects in the Vosman Policing area.

During the arrest, the suspects were found in position of three AK-47 rifles with six (06) magazines as well as 134 live ammunition, one 9 mm pistol with two magazines and 27 live ammunition.

Additionally, gloves as well as balaclavas were confiscated during the arrest.

The vehicles used in the attempted robbery were confiscated for further investigation with preliminary findings revealing that the Mercedes-Benz was reported stolen in Kabokweni last month ( July 2024).

The suspects will face multiple charges, including possession of prohibited firearms, possession of presumed stolen vehicles, and conspiracy to commit a robbery.

The suspects are due to appear at Emalahleni Magistrate's Court soon with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) taking over the investigation.

The confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether these weapons were not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere; hence, Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects as the investigation continues.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has indicated that "Firstly, we would like to appreciate the collaboration displayed by the team from Limpopo as well as our team from Mpumalanga and not forgetting the Fidelity Special Service which culminated into this magnificent achievement. This operation, once again, highlights the dedication and expertise of our law enforcement officers in combating violent crimes and insurance the safety of our communities. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with the police in the father against criminal activities, " said the General.