Eastern Cape cash-in-transit suspects arrested outside Heidelberg
Five cash-in-transit suspects were arrested by the Police just outside Bergsig (Heidelberg) on October 3.
The arrests come after two suspects were arrested on the evening of October 1 within hours after they allegedly committed a cash-in-transit robbery in Umtata Eastern Cape.
“As part of the 72 hour activation plan various policing units including the SAPS tracking team were mobilised. The tracking team, acting on a tip-off from crime intelligence, managed to trace and apprehend the five suspects just off the N3 freeway outside Heidelberg. They were found to be driving a Toyota Hilux Bakkie with false number plates,” Police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said.
During a search of the vehicle, a false compartment was discovered. An undisclosed amount of money, three rifles including two AK47’ rifles, magazines and rounds of ammunition were found.
According to Brig Naidoo, the Eastern Cape robbery has claimed the life of an innocent motorist and left another narrowly escaping death after also being shot.
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service – General Khehla John Sitole has commended the dedicated team for their relentless efforts in tracking and arresting the suspects. He also commended the members for their swift action citing that the 72 hour Activation Plan has again proven to be very effective.
“The mobilisation of maximum expert resources within this short space of time is critical to an effective investigation process, especially with regards to information and evidence gathering,” General Sitole said.
The suspects will appear in the Eastern Cape Magistrate’s Court soon.
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