Mpumalanga police intercept possible cash-in-transit robbery

White River police and Netstar vehicle tracking officials have foiled a possible cash-in-transit robbery following a shoot-out with criminals in which two people were wounded, Mpumalanga police said.

Netstar officials received information at about 4.15pm on Saturday afternoon regarding a presumably stolen vehicle parked in the Masoyi area near Hazyview, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said.

The officials then called the White River flying squad members for backup. When the joint team approached the vehicle, which was identified as a silver Land Rover reportedly stolen in Gauteng, a shoot-out ensued with a “daring gang” of about 20 armed suspects. One Netstar official and one suspect were wounded in the shooting.

“When the dust settled, at which [time] the rest of the suspects had already run in different directions into the bushes dressed in blue overalls disguised as contract employees, police also found a Toyota Quantum kombi which was not reported stolen, and a white BMW X4 suspected to have been stolen in Gauteng as well,” he said.

The police further discovered a large quantity of explosives, hand gloves, a bulletproof vest, a firearm, and other items believed to be usable in the commission of crime.

“According to a preliminary probe, the suspects were intercepted while on their way to committing a cash-in-transit robbery and their plan was foiled by the integrated approach of the police and Netstar members.

“The police are currently in the process of establishing information that may lead to the arrest of the other gang members who absconded the scene and we therefore urge anyone with information to contact Colonel William Mokonyama of the Hawks in Mpumalanga on 082-565-7099,” Hlathi said.

Mpumalanga police commissioner Lt-Gen Mondli Zuma applauded the collective effort by the stakeholders and wished the wounded Netstar official a speedy recovery.