Robbers set cash van alight in daredevil heist near Tuinplaas
A cash-in-transit vehicle was set alight by robbers on the R33 road near the Marble Hall and Settlers T-junction following a shoot-out.
The driver of the vehicle and his crew stopped at the T-junction to turn towards Marble Hall at around 18:30 on Monday, May 8 but were cut off by the attackers coming from the Settlers Road in a grey Toyota Fortuner. Two men exited the Fortuner and started shooting at the CIT van.
According to the provincial police spokesperson, Col. Malesela Ledwaba, the driver continued driving toward Marble Hall despite the hail of bullets. He was forced to stop some distance further as his tyres were damaged. The CIT crew fled into the bushes.
The van was blown open shortly after that and caught fire. According to Ledwaba, it is unclear whether the suspects managed to flee with cash or not. One bag of money was found on the side of the road.
Another vehicle was found on fire on the same road. It is not clear whether it is related to the robbery or not. No injuries were sustained during the incident.
The police launched a manhunt for the two male suspects. Residents, who witnessed the incident or saw suspicious activities, are urged to come forward with information.
“These criminal elements have no regard for human life. They must be arrested to face the full brunt of the law,” according to the acting provincial police commissioner of police, Maj. Genl. Scheepers.
Anyone with information is requested to contact Lt. Col. Justice Ngobeni on tel. 082 565 8326, dial the Crime Stop number tel. 08600 10111, contact the nearest police station or use the MysapsApp.
