CAPE TOWN – A joint operation by several South African Police Service (SAPS) units in the Western Cape led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of four firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, on Friday 13 March.
The arrests followed intelligence gathered by the Crime Intelligence unit indicating that individuals from different provinces had travelled to the Western Cape and were allegedly planning a cash-in-transit robbery over the weekend.
Police identified the suspects in Kraaifontein and placed them under surveillance from Wednesday 11 March.
On Friday, officers observed the group travelling towards the Paarl central business district in a white Toyota Fortuner.
Members of the Winelands Highway Patrol and the Maitland Flying Squad were alerted and intercepted the vehicle in Paarl.
Weapon recovery
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a 9mm pistol with its serial number removed, as well as 14 rounds of ammunition.
Further investigations led police to a residence in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, where they believed additional firearms were being stored.
Officers searched the property and discovered two more 9mm pistols, each loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, and an AK-47 rifle.
Police also seized 79 rounds of rifle ammunition, 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a cellular telephone and R8 750 in cash during the operation.
Arrests
Five men between the ages of 30 and 39 were arrested.
The suspects are believed to be from Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape, Klerksdorp and Rustenburg in the North West, as well as Paarl and Wallacedene in the Western Cape.
They have been charged with possession of a prohibited firearm and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance in the Kuils River Magistrate’s Court on Monday 16 March.
Police say investigations are continuing as authorities work to determine the extent of the group’s alleged plans.
