The robbery of a truck, believed to be transporting diamond-bearing gravel, was foiled by a multi-disciplinary operation on Thursday, 17 November, leading to the arrest of ten suspects.
According to information received, the suspects planned to stop the truck at gunpoint near Koopmansfontein in the Northern Cape and off-load the diamond-bearing gravel onto their bakkies.
Capt. Olebogeng Tawana, police spokesperson, said the tactical multi- disciplinary team operationalised intelligence subsequent to the planned robbery.
The suspects, aged 35 to 55 years, were apprehended in the veld near the road and were found in possession of two 9 mm pistols, one hunting rifle, bold-cutters and three iron rows of stidges.
They were also found in possession of two vehicles, one of which was reported as stolen.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Barkley West Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 18 November, on a charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as possesion of a stolen vehicle.
The two bakkies, a Toyota Hilux and a Ford Ranger, were seized as it was utilised in the commission of a planned crime.
This operation was led by members of the Northern Cape organised crime, provincial serious and violent crime unit, Frances Baard detective task team, Kimberley tactical response team, Hartswater crime intelligence and the provincial tracking team.
On the same day, high police visibility was evident during a static roadblock on the R31 road near Koopmansfontein.
Tawana said this is sending a clear message to road users as law enforcement agencies would continue to clamp down on those violating the Road Traffic Act during the festive season and beyond. He said static roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints will be conducted throughout the Northern Cape to ensure that those violating the rules of the road will be brought to book.
During the roadblock, 179 vehicles were stopped and searched, and 298 persons physically searched.
Seven motorists were issued with fines for driving without a valid driver’s licence, over-loading, expired licence discs, and driving unroadworthy vehicles.
In addition, the transportation of illicit goods, stolen vehicles and the transportation of stolen livestock were addressed.
The roadblock was carried out by members of provincial visible policing, the Kimberley vehicle crime investigation unit, Frances Baard district visible policing, Delportshoop visible policing and Northern Cape traffic officers.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lt Gen. Koliswa Otola, urged motorists to practice patience on the road.
“Motorists should avoid driving motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substances, as these are mainly the causes of fatalities on the roads,” she said.
