LAW enforcement and private security companies managed to foil a planned cash heist in Hendrina, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 5 August.
Twelve suspects were arrested following a high-speed chase and shoot-out with the Hawks’ tactical operations management section, crime intelligence, SAPS special task force, air wing, highway patrol, traffic saturation unit, tracker connect, Bad Boyz Security, falcon risk solutions, insurance crime bureau and vision tactical security.
Hawks spokeswoman Katlego Mogale said the multidisciplinary team received intelligence on a would-be cash-in-transit heist. When the team arrived at the identified safe house, a shoot-out ensued, wherein two suspects escaped on foot. Three were found in the caravan in a nearby residence while two others were arrested in the safe house.
“Four others fled the scene in a Mercedes-Benz and a high-speed chase ensued, where they were arrested. The two suspects who managed to flee hijacked a few cars as they allegedly made their escape towards in Elukwatini,” she said.
Mogale added that three men were arrested after they were found hiding in the ceiling of the safe house.
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She said they also recovered three rifles, three vehicles including a Mercedes-Benz C class and Golf 6 GTI that were reported hijacked in Tshwane, a Ford Ranger reported stolen in Krugersdorp in 2021, explosives and large quantities of ammunition at the scene.
“The fourth vehicle, a Mercedes CLA, is not positive but will be seized for being used in a commission of a crime as well as a Toyota Etios. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the arrested suspects is due to appear on the Westernburg Magistrates Court on an unrelated case of cash-in-transit,” she said.
Mogale further said all suspects would appear in court soon on charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, illegal possession of explosives as well as illegal possession firearms and ammunition.
