The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla John Sitole has applauded the swift of arrest of two Cash-In-Transit robbers in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
The two men, 25 and 29 years of age were arrested shortly after a cash-in-transit vehicle was attacked and robbed on the N2 on Monday evening at 18h30.
During the heist, suspects who were traveling in a bakkie (light delivery vehicle), shot at the security vehicle bringing it to a halt. They then disarmed the three security guards, tied them up and forced open the safe, removing an undisclosed amount of money as well as three firearms belonging to the security guards were taken.
During the shooting, three vehicle’s that were passing at the time of the incident, were hit by stray bullets. A 30-year-old woman was shot and killed and a man who was wounded, was rushed to hospital.
The 72 hour activation plan was immediately implemented. The plan entailed the mobilisation of Crime Intelligence, Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks), Forensic Experts, tactical teams, etc,. The team initially found an abandoned vehicle in Maclear. Within hours thereafter, at approximately 21h30, they tracked down a vehicle with no number plates at a filling station in Mthatha. While searching the said vehicle, damaged money and unlicensed CZ75 pistol were confiscated and the two men, believed to be linked to the said robbery, were arrested. Police are still searching for the remaining suspects.
While General Khehla Sitole has applauded the swift arrest of the suspects, he has also condemned the killing and injuring of innocent people during these heinous crimes.
“We applaud the swift action of our members in blue. We will not rest until we win the war on the scourge of aggravated robberies, particularly cash-in-transit robberies. It is our responsibility to prevent, combat, investigate crime and create a safe and secure environment for South Africans. The arrest of these suspects must serve as a deterrence to others”, said General Sitole.
“It is however extremely disturbing that innocent people are caught in the middle of such heinous crimes. As I convey my sincere condolences to the families of the woman and I wish the wounded man a speedy recovery, I want to assure the nation that we will do everything possible to track down all those responsible and ensure that they face the full brunt of the law” added General Sitole.
Members of the public with information are encouraged to report to their nearest police station or call the SAPS hotline on 08600 10111. All calls with be treated with strictest confidence and all callers may remain anonymous.
