KEY POINTS
-  Six cash-in-transit robbery suspects were killed in a police shootout. Â
-  Police intercepted the gang before they could attack a cash van. Â
-  One suspect was arrested, and illegal firearms were recovered. Â
Authorities claimed a police operation in Laudium, Tshwane, on Monday resulted in the shooting and death of six alleged cash-in-transit robbers. Several firearms were found, and one suspect was taken into custody.
Police intercept suspects before planned cash-in-transit robbery
The suspects were allegedly on their way to loot a cash van in Atteridgeville when they were apprehended by police. There was a shootout after the criminals opened fire on the police when they tried to stop their cars.
“During a shootout with the police in Laudium, six suspects were fatally wounded, and police recovered unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” the police stated in a statement.
Investigations into potential connections to more cash-in-transit robberies may benefit from the arrest of one suspect. Investigators are trying to find out if the group was involved in a bigger syndicate that targeted Gauteng’s armored cash vans.
One suspect arrested as police recover illegal firearms
Since criminal syndicates often target security cars with powerful rifles and explosives, cash-in-transit heists have become a growing worry in South Africa. In recent months, there have been numerous arrests and shootouts as a result of law enforcement’s stepped-up efforts against these gangs.
According to the citizen, the public has been asked by authorities to report any suspicious activity pertaining to heists of cash-in-transit. A police official stated, “We are committed to breaking up these criminals’ networks because they represent a serious threat to public safety.”
As part of the ongoing inquiry, forensic specialists are examining the evidence that was found at the scene. Police may make more arrests as they pursue possible accomplices.
