Lwandle police are seeking the community’s assistance in apprehending three suspects who remain at large following a foiled cash-in-transit robbery attempt on Friday (25 October).
The incident took place in the Broadlands industrial area when armed suspects targeted Cash Automation service personnel collecting money in an unmarked armoured vehicle at Sir Lowry Diesel Depot around 13:00.
“On their arrival one security guard entered the office to collect the money while another stood guard outside, with the driver remaining in the vehicle,” said Lwandle police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama.
“A white Toyota Corolla, lacking number plates and a licence disc, arrived at the filling station. Three heavily-armed suspects exited the vehicle, one wielding a rifle and the other two carrying handguns.
“A shoot-out ensued between the security guards and the suspects. One security guard was wounded in the shoulder and was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical assistance. Two suspects fled the scene in the vehicle, while the third escaped on foot before being picked up by a red Volkswagen Golf with an unknown registration.”
Gama added that no money or firearms were taken. The Toyota Corolla used by the suspects was later found abandoned in a nearby street.
At the crime scene 50 spent rifle cartridges and seven spent 9 mm cartridges were recovered, along with one 9 mm projectile found in a truck that was refueling at the time of the incident. The suspects’ vehicle was later identified as a car recently stolen in the Kuils River area.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects involved in the attempted cash-in-transit robbery is urged to contact the investigating officer, detective Sergeant Wynand Carelse, at the Lwandle Police Station on 021 845 2060, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
When approached for comment on the incident, Abdul Amien, the owner of Sir Lowry Diesel Depot, stated “there’s not much more to say; the incident lasted about two to three minutes, maybe even less, as indicated by security camera footage”.
The 71-year-old confirmed the series of events and further revealed that the business had previously been targeted by brazen robbers, who held a staff member at gunpoint a few years ago.
He expressed gratitude that there was no loss of life following the traumatic ordeal.
“Now, we do our best to prevent such incidents by increasing security measures and implementing safety plans.”
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette telephonically reached out to Cash Automation, a leading supplier of automated smart safes, for comment. However, a representative of the company declined the opportunity, saying they are unable to comment on the matter at this stage in time.
