SASOLBURG – The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) in Welkom, Free State, have launched a full-scale hunt for five suspected armed robbers in connection with a brazen armed cash-in-transit robbery in Sasolburg on Tuesday.

Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the heavily armed syndicate ran amok, causing damage to two vehicles and several building walls during a shootout with security guards. “No fatalities or injuries were reported,” she said.

Matoti said the team of detectives have identified Mothoezane Xaba from Daza Hostel as a person of interest who may assist with the investigation into the armed cash-in-transit robbery. “Xaba is sought for questioning in connection with the investigation. It is believed he originates from KwaZulu-Natal,” she said.

Matoti said the suspects reportedly ambushed the security guards while conducting their normal cash collection duties at retailers in Sasolburg. “One of the guards was accosted by an unknown suspect who pointed a firearm at him. A bag with an undisclosed amount of cash was taken. Approximately five suspects escaped driving in a blue Nissan Tiida with registration number CY28TPGP,” she said.

No arrests were made after a high-speed chase as the suspects made a daring escape using a hijacked vehicle and a taxi en route to Vosloorus in Gauteng province.

Matoti said the security guards pursued the suspects to Minaar Street in Vaalpark, where the suspects allegedly abandoned the vehicle and hijacked a Toyota Quantum minibus with registration number MD45GVGP, along with its driver. “The suspects then drove towards the Vereeniging taxi rank, where they abandoned the minibus and boarded a taxi travelling to Vosloorus,” she said.

Anyone with information regarding Xaba’s whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Captain Chris Mochesane on 071 481 2546. Anonymous information may also be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

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