Three suspected cash-in-transit robbers were killed in a violent shoot-out with police in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday, 30 November. The suspects had planned to execute a robbery when their activities were foiled by law enforcement officers who acted swiftly based on intelligence information. During the confrontation, three of the suspects were fatally shot, and three others were arrested. The operation, which involved both police and private security companies, effectively disrupted the criminals’ plans and led to the recovery of several firearms.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for the Gauteng police, revealed that the police had been tracking the group of suspects after receiving information about their planned heist. Law enforcement officers were able to pinpoint the suspects’ location at a safe house in Kwa-Thema, where the criminals were gathered to finalize their plans. A specialized team of law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit, and Crime Intelligence Unit, were dispatched to intercept the suspects before they could carry out the robbery.
As the team descended on the safe house, the suspects opened fire on the officers, sparking a fierce shoot-out. In the chaos, two suspects were killed at the safe house, while a third was fatally shot just meters away while attempting to flee. Despite the intense exchange of gunfire, three other suspects were taken into custody, with charges that include attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, and conspiracy to commit a cash-in-transit robbery. These arrests have dealt a significant blow to the criminal group that had been planning the heist.
The police recovered a substantial amount of weaponry at the scene, including two rifles—one of which was an AK-47—a pistol, and several magazines loaded with ammunition. These weapons were believed to be intended for use in the robbery. In addition to the firearms, law enforcement seized two Toyota Hilux bakkies that were used by the suspects during the operation. One of these vehicles had been fitted with false registration plates, and further investigation revealed that it had been hijacked in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.
The swift and coordinated response from the police demonstrates the ongoing efforts to combat cash-in-transit heists in the region. The successful operation has undoubtedly prevented what could have been a dangerous and highly violent robbery. However, despite the arrests, six suspects managed to escape during the shoot-out, and police are currently conducting a manhunt for those at large. The public has been urged to come forward with any information that might lead to their capture.
With the recovery of both firearms and stolen vehicles, the operation serves as a stark reminder of the growing sophistication and dangerous nature of cash-in-transit robberies. Authorities continue to work relentlessly to dismantle these criminal networks, ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their actions. As investigations proceed, the search for the remaining suspects continues, with law enforcement agencies remaining vigilant in their pursuit of justice.
