The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, under the leadership of Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, successfully thwarted an attempted Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robbery in Vosman earlier today. The meticulously planned operation, which involved a collaborative effort from various police units, resulted in the arrest of four suspects aged between 30 and 49.
The operation was made possible by the proactive efforts of Crime Intelligence, which provided critical information on the suspects' plans. Acting on this intelligence, a joint team consisting of members from the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Tracking teams, Crime Prevention members from Vosman, and Fidelity Special Service was assembled. The team strategically positioned themselves along the R545 Road towards Ogies, anticipating the suspects' movements.
The suspects, driving a white Mercedes-Benz Sedan, were spotted attempting to carry out the robbery. However, the quick intervention of the police team thwarted their plans. Realizing their attempt had failed, the suspects fled the scene in several other vehicles, including a blue BMW 330i Sedan and a charcoal Kia SUV. A high-speed chase ensued, with law enforcement officers successfully intercepting the suspects within the Vosman policing area.
Upon their arrest, the suspects were found in possession of three AK-47 rifles with six magazines and 134 live rounds of ammunition, as well as a 9mm pistol with two magazines and 27 live rounds. Additionally, police recovered hand gloves and balaclavas believed to have been intended for the robbery. The vehicles used in the attempted robbery were seized for further investigation, with preliminary findings revealing that the Mercedes-Benz was reported stolen in Kabokweni in July 2024.
The suspects now face multiple charges, including possession of prohibited firearms, possession of a presumed stolen vehicle, and conspiracy to commit robbery. They are expected to appear in the 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 if they have been used in other criminal activities, potentially leading to additional charges.
Major General Mkhwanazi praised the collaborative effort of the various teams involved in the operation. "We would like to appreciate the collaboration displayed by the team from Limpopo, our team from Mpumalanga, and the Fidelity Special Service, which culminated in this significant achievement. This operation once again highlights the dedication and expertise of our law enforcement officers in combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of our communities. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with the police in the fight against criminal activities," said the General.
This successful operation represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat CIT robberies in South Africa, reinforcing the importance of intelligence-driven operations and cross-provincial collaboration in tackling violent crime.
