Money makes the world go round, and for robbers, it is one of the most precious things to steal.
Armed robbers took charge on Sunday, February 28 and shot at the Fidelity van that was transporting money.
“It was on its way to eMalahleni, from Verena. Shots were fired from a suspected rifle, as the empty cartridges were found on scene. Although the make and type of the rifle cannot be confirmed at this stage,” said a police officer from Verena Police Station.
Information stated that it happened at about 15:20 and although shots were fired at the driver and passengers of the van, no one was injured.
The Fidelity van that was bombed on the R544 (Verena Road) on Sunday, February 28 (Photo: CPF).
“They only fired shots at the tyres, where after the driver lost control and then stopped next to the road. The van was then bombed with explosives. We are not investigating the matter, as it was passed on to the serious and violent crimes unit, situated in Middelburg,” police confirmed.
It is unconfirmed how many passengers were in the van at the time of the robbery, but police states that there are usually a set amount of guards inside the vehicle, for security reasons. Police also stated that no crossfire shooting took place, although there is an opening in the windows for times where it is necessary for the guards to use their firearms.
“The robbers did not shoot at the passengers inside the vehicle and the robbers fled in a white Audi, white Golf 7 GTI as well as in a white Isuzu bakkie. It is normal for them to use cars like these, because they are fast. It is for an easy escape after a robbery has occurred,” police stated.
It was also confirmed by police that since 2012, approximately four similar heists have occurred.
“The robbers know which routes to take and because it happened at the Hertzog Mountains, these vans transporting money take time to go up the hills. We suspect that this is when the robbers take their chances,” a police officer stated on Tuesday.
The robbers fled with an undisclosed amount of money.
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