Four arrested in Polokwane following foiled cash-in-transit heist
Four suspects were arrested at a petrol station in Penina Park following an attempted cash-in-transit robbery along the Matlala road this morning (Thursday).
POLOKWANE -According to a statement issued by Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the swift reaction by the police resulted in the arrest of the four suspects, aged between 26 and 53 years old, within an hour of the incident.
This follows and incident where a group of armed suspects attacked two security vehicles, one transporting cash and the other an escort vehicle, each transporting five guards. The security vehicles overturned and a shoot-out between the suspects and officers ensued, where five guards sustained serious injuries.
The suspects abandoned their vehicle at the scene and fled into the nearby bushes.
Firearms, ammunition and vehicles were recovered during the arrest, which included: two rifles with magazines, two pistols with magazines, 61 rounds of ammunition for both rifles and pistols and three VW Polo vehicles. This brings the total number of recovered vehicles to four, including the BMW sedan which was abandoned at the first crime scene.
The origin of the vehicles and firearms is still being determined.
All four suspects will appear before two separate magisterial courts tomorrow (Friday).
Three will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate Court on charges of attempted cash-in-transit robbery, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles and possession of firearms and ammunition without license. The fourth suspect will appear before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court.
Police investigations still continue.
POLOKWANE – The Westenburg Police have launched a manhunt after a group of armed robbers attempted a cash-in-transit heist today (Thursday) on the Matlala road.
It is alleged that the suspects, who were travelling in a black BMW, chased after the cash-in-transit vehicle causing it to overturn.
According to the Westenburg Police Station Commander, Lt Col Maimele Pilusa there was a shoot-out between the suspects and cash-in-transit services guards. According to eyewitnesses on the scene, three of the cash-in-transit guards were shot and injured, however the police could not confirm this.
The suspects fled the scene on foot. No money was taken and no one was killed, confirmed Pilusa.
“This is the first cash-in-transit heist case in many years. We did not encounter such cases last year and in 2015. A case of attempted robbery has been opened and investigations are underway. We will not rest until we bring the perpetrators to book,” he explained.
He further said motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes, Seshego, Mashashane and Percy Five road as the Matlala road is still closed and the police are on the scene.
He added that anyone with information regarding this attempted robbery can contact Westenburg Police Commander, John Dikgale on 082 5658 566.
