SAPS were activated for a cash-in-transit robbery in progress on the N2 near KwaDen

In an effort to eradicate cash in transit heist, police are always operationally ready to curb such acts, and ensure they effect an arrest of those responsible. Yesterday 15 July 2024, police arrested four suspects aged between 33 and 55 years, while one of the suspects was fatally shot during the shootout at Tsolo yesterday.

The arrest follows after SAPS team members were activated for a cash in transit in progress on the N2 near KwaDen, Tsolo. Upon arrival on the scene, members attached to Tactical Response Team (TRT) received information that some suspects ran into the bushes, of which one was arrested while others sped off in their vehicles. Police found a Nissan NP200 that was abandoned by the suspects, and explosives were also recovered.

On investigation police proceeded to different houses at Sidwadweni Administrative Area, Tsolo where they recovered four unlicensed firearms (rifles), four vehicles (Toyota Fortuner, Etios, Ford Eco Sport, Hyundai Getz), explosives and explosive devices, bag full of clothes, one hundred and sixty-one (161) rifle cartridges and seven magazines.

When the team left one of the houses, they spotted two suspicious males, and upon searching them, they found explosives and explosive devices and were immediately arrested. Within the vicinity of Sidwadweni, police also spotted other two males carrying a rifle and a bag and fled on foot. Police gave chase, and the suspects started to shoot at the police and during the shootout, one suspect suffered gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries while the other suspect was arrested. On searching him, police recovered a bag that contained an assault rifle with ammunition. Six other suspects allegedly involved in the robbery are still on the run. The suspects will be facing charges of attempted cash in transit, attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and attack on police.

They will appear at Tsolo Magistrate Court soon. Detectives from Directorate for Priority Crime and Investigation (known as Hawks) will be investigating the case.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene and her management have applauded the members for their alertness and swift responsive action in eradicating robberies in the Province. “Police are always operationalyl ready in preventing all criminal acts which endanger the safety of the community, and will pursue in ensuring that those responsible are facing the full might of the law”, she concluded.