A group of cash-in-transit robbers had no choice but to retreat after engaging in a gun battle with a troop of SAPS members in Witbank last night, 26 June 2023 around 18:30.
According to the report, a group of about 20 heavily armed suspects are said to have pounced on security guards who were driving in a cash van along Kriel Road in Witbank. It is further reported that the suspects were driving in a convoy of vehicles, three Ford Rangers (two silver and one white) as well as a white Toyota Hilux.
They forcefully stopped the cash van and after subjecting the guards at gunpoint, they detonated some explosives and managed to open one of the cash boxes inside the van.
Members from Witbank Visible Policing were patrolling near the vicinity to combat any possible crime threats. As a result, after realizing that the guards were under attack, members swiftly responded within minutes.
Upon arrival at the scene, the men and women in blue were challenged into a shootout with the suspects for several minutes. The engagement was too heavy for the suspects who realized that the members were not backing down. They had no choice but fled the scene in their vehicles. No SAPS members were reportedly injured during the shooting.
Later on it was learnt that a security officer inside the van was seriously injured during the time when suspects detonated some explosives inside the cash van. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Police are currently conducting their investigation on the scene and it seems as if the suspects did not succeed in their mission. A case of (cash-in-transit) robbery has been opened with another count of attempted murder and contravention of the Explosives Act of South Africa.
No one has been arrested so far however police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Manamela is overwhelmed by the swift response of the SAPS members. “We are closing in all the spaces for criminals in this province. We want to continue to maintain our presence and ensure that this province is not a playground for perpetrators of crime. We are very proud of the calibre of members on the ground for the bravery that they continually display” said the General.