In an effort to eradicate cash in transit heists, police arrested two suspects, aged 33 and 55, while one of them was fatally shot during the shootout at Tsolo yesterday, July 15.
According to Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, the arrest followed after SAPS team members were activated for a cash-in-transit heist in progress on the N2 near Kwa Dan in Tsolo.
She explained that upon arrival on the scene, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) received information that some suspects ran into the bushes, one of whom was arrested while others sped off in their vehicles
“Police found a Nissan NP200 that was abandoned by the suspects and explosives were also recovered.
“On their investigation, police proceeded to various houses in the Sidwadweni Administrative Area, Tsolo. There, they recovered four unlicensed rifles, four vehicles (a Toyota Fortuner, a Toyota Etios, a Ford EcoSport, and a Hyundai Getz), explosives and explosive devices, a bag full of clothes, 161 rifle cartridges, and seven magazines.
“When the team left one of these houses, they spotted two suspicious males and upon searching them they found explosives and explosive devices and were immediately arrested,” said Mawisa.
She added that within the vicinity of Sidwadweni, police also spotted twoother males carrying a rifle and a bag and fled on foot.
According to her police gave chase and the suspect started to shoot at the police, and during the shootout one suspect suffered gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries while the other suspect was arrested.
Mawisa further added that on searching him, police recovered a bag that contained an assault rifle with ammunition.
“Six other suspects allegedly involved in the robbery are still on the run.
“These suspects will be facing charges of attempted cash in transit, attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and attack on police.
“They will appear in Tsolo Magistrate’s Court soon. Detectives from Directorate for Priority Crime and Investigation (known as Hawks) will be investigating the case.”
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General, Nomthetheleli Mene, and her management have applauded the members for their alertness and swift responsive action in eradicating robberies in the Province.
“Police are always operational ready in preventing all criminal acts which endanger the safety of the community and will pursue in ensuring that those responsible are facing the full might of the law.”
