The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed his satisfaction following a major breakthrough in the fight against Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robberies. A coordinated effort involving Crime Intelligence, tracking teams from Limpopo and Mpumalanga, Vosman Crime Prevention members, and Fidelity Special Service led to the arrest of four suspects in Vosman on Saturday, 17 August 2024.

The operation was initiated after Crime Intelligence provided critical information about the suspects’ plans. The joint team strategically positioned themselves along the R545 Road, heading to Ogies, where they intercepted the suspects as they attempted to carry out the robbery in a white Mercedes-Benz Sedan. The suspects fled the scene in other vehicles, including a blue BMW 330i Sedan and a charcoal Kia SUV, leading to a high-speed chase. The police successfully apprehended the suspects in the Vosman Policing area.

During the arrest, authorities confiscated three AK-47 rifles with six magazines, 134 live rounds of ammunition, one 9mm pistol with two magazines, and 27 live rounds of ammunition. They also seized hand gloves, balaclavas, and a stolen Mercedes-Benz, which had been reported stolen in Kabokweni in July 2024.

The suspects, aged between 30 and 49, will face multiple charges, including possession of prohibited firearms, possession of a stolen vehicle, and conspiracy to commit robbery. They are expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court soon, with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) overseeing the investigation. The confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in other crimes, potentially leading to additional charges.

Major General Mkhwanazi praised the collaboration between the teams from Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Fidelity Special Service, stating, “This operation underscores the dedication and expertise of our law enforcement officers in combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of our communities. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with the police in the fight against criminal activities.”