A shootout between cash-in-transit robbers and Hoedspruit Farmwatch in Limpopo has resulted in four robbers killed on Wednesday. Three more suspects have since been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, 20 September at about 16:00 the G4S armoured vehicle together with its escort vehicle were driving near Hoedspruit. They were suddenly ambushed by the suspected armed robbers who were driving in three vehicles.

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The suspected robbers allegedly started shooting at the escort vehicle until it came to a standstill. They disarmed the guards [Driver and crew] of their official rifle and pistol.

Unfortunately the two guards were shot at and sustained injuries that resulted in the death of the driver.

It is further alleged that the armed robbers pursued the armoured vehicle while shooting at it until it stopped. The driver of the armoured vehicle and his crew were allegedly ordered to disembark the vehicle, disarmed of two firearms and chased into the nearby bushes.

The suspects allegedly used the explosives to blast the armoured vehicle and made off with an undisclosed amount of money. The Hoedspruit Farmwatch was activated and spotted the suspects’ vehicles driving towards Hoedspruit.

ROBBERS OF CASH-IN-TRANSIT IN HOEDSPRUIT KILLED

In an attempt to stop the suspects’ vehicles, they put the obstacles on the road that forced their vehicles to stop. It is further reported that the suspects started shooting at members of Hoedspruit Farmwatch who in self-defence retaliated.

During the shootout, four suspects were killed and one was injured and arrested on the spot. The other suspects ran into the nearby bushes and vanished.

In the early hours of Thursday, 21 September, fleeing suspects were traced with the assistance of the Hoedspruit Farmwatch dogs and chopper until they were caught in a taxi that was travelling to Acornhoek and arrested. The two injured suspects were found in possession of suspected stolen money.

The three injured suspects are under police guard in hospital and they will make their first court appearance soon. The Hawks are still searching for the outstanding suspects.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects can contact Colonel Motle on 079 886 6618 or contact the nearest police station.

Police in Lebowakgomo have launched an extensive search for armed suspects who committed a business robbery at Sasko Bakery on Saturday 8 July. The incident happened at about 15:15 at the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality.

It is reported that the robbers started by firing shots randomly in the yard before they stormed into the premises. They found a female cashier inside an office. The suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of money which they put inside a cardboard box.

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The suspects also exchanged gunfire with the Cash-in-transit Security Guards who had come to collect money. This after the third suspect who was waiting outside the yard and hiding inside the vehicle opened fire on the Security guards who were not aware of the robbery.

Thugs rob Sasko Bakery in Lebowakgomo
Box that was used to conceal the stolen money

The suspect abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot when the Security Guards fired back and the other two suspects also managed to escape.

SASKO BAKERY ROBBED

Police were called and on arrival, they started an initial investigation. They found that the suspects dropped the box that was used to conceal the stolen money. But the money was missing.

In addition, one Cellphone was found inside the getaway Nissan NP 200 motor vehicle. It will form part of the investigation as well as the motor vehicle. The Police manhunt continues for the suspects.

The two suspects in the recent Venda Cash-in-transit heist Matidza Andani and Mudau Rembuluwani Zachariah have abandoned bail. The two, from  Makwarela ext. 3, appeared before Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with the Cash-in-transit of Venda Plaza, Phangami Mall and Shayandima complex.

The two were involved in the robberies of Fidelity vehicles where R4,2 million was stolen in the Thulamela area.. 

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They are facing three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Two counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

Venda Cash-in-transit heist suspects abandon bail 
A Venda Cash in-transit heist car bombed

SUSPECTS ABANDONED BAIL

Rembuluwani Zachariah Mudau [29] was arrested on 15 June in possession of a 9mm pistol and 13 live rounds of ammunition in Shayandima. Police are still looking for other suspects. The state was ready to proceed with the matter, however, the suspects in the Cash-in-transit heist abandoned their bail application. 

The matter is adjourned to 18 August 2023, for investigations and the accused persons will remain in custody.

Five suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of money during a Cash-In-Transit heist in Tafelkop, outside Groblersdal, Limpopo on Monday evening.

It is alleged that two security guards attached to G4S were driving on R579 road at Tafelkop Majakaneng. Out of nowhere their company, a cash truck was shot by the occupants from a white Ford Ranger.

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Their truck wheels got punctured as a result of the shooting. It is further alleged that approximately five suspects armed with rifles and pistols approached. They forced them out of their cash truck and also robbed them of their two firearms.

Robbers feel with an undisclosed amount in Tafelkop cash-in-transit heist
Limpopo cash-in-transit heist

CASH-IN-TRANSIT THUGS ON THE RUN

The suspects blasted the truck and took an undisclosed amount of cash. They then drove away using a white double-cab Ford Ranger. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo Province has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects in the Tafelkop cash-in-transit.

ROBBERS FLEE WITH AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF MONEY IN TAFELKOP

A case docket of robbery with aggravating circumstances (CIT) and Contravention of section 27(1)(c) of the Explosive Act 27 of 1956 was opened. The Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation is entrusted with the investigation of this matter.

No arrest has been made. Anyone with information that can assist the police arrest the suspects is requested to contact Polokwane-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Lieutenant Colonel Nkoane Makutu on 071 351 7278. SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or alternatively leave a tip-off on MySAPS App.

Limpopo Police have launched a manhunt for suspects responsible for aggravated cash-in-transit in Tshakhuma next to Makhado. The incident took place in the Vhembe district on Thursday, 01 June at about 08:00.

The preliminary Police investigation revealed that the CIT vehicle was heading towards Thohoyandou and driving along the R 524 road near Spar supermarket. One suspect traveling in a white Toyota Camry coming from the opposite direction collided with the cash van.

Also read: Cash-in-transit criminals kill innocent passerby at Elim Mall

Suddenly, an unknown number of suspects armed with pistols and rifles emerged on foot. The driver of the cash van and his crew fled the scene while the guard was trapped inside.

INCIDENT SHOCK TSHAKHUMA COMMUNITY

Subsequently, the suspects placed explosives in the cash van and took an undisclosed amount of money. They torched the Toyota Camry before they fled in a VW Amarok double cab silver grey in colour. As well as a white Toyota Etios and Rav4 Toyota. The suspects also robbed the victims of one firearm and they headed towards Thohoyandou.

Tshakhuma cash-in-transit criminals in Limpopo on the run
Cash-in-transit in Tshakhuma

The security guard who was trapped inside the vehicle was assisted by the community who called the police and an ambulance. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital for medical treatment.

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The Provincial Commissioner has further ordered the establishment of a Task Team to track down and apprehend those behind these heists which are currently prevalent in the province.

“We appeal to the community and stakeholders to join hands to assist in the prevention of these crimes by providing information about the perpetrators involved,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Police have opened a case of armed robbery and attempted murder.

Police in Tuinplaas in the Waterberg District, launched a Manhunt for two suspects involved in cash-in-transit heist along R33 -Marble Hall Settlers T- junction. The incident took place on Monday, 8 May 2023 at about 18:30 in Limpopo.

According to reports, the driver of the cash-in-transit vehicle allegedly stopped at a T-junction with a view to turning to Marble Hall direction. Suddenly a silver Grey Fortuner came from Settlers road and stopped in front of his vehicle. Two African males alighted from the vehicle and started shooting at him.

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He continued driving towards Marble Hall direction. But stopped a few meters away because his tyrės were damaged from the shooting. He subsequently jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the bushes with his crew.

Moments later, the truck was blasted and caught fire. It is not clear at this stage whether the suspects took the money or not. Though one bag was found next to the road.

HEIST IN MARBLE HALL

No one was injured in the incident. Further information is that a van was found burning on the same road not far from the CIT scene. It is not known at this stage whether it is connected to the incident or not.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers urges the members of the public who might have witnessed the incident or have any information that can help police in apprehending suspects to come forward.

“These criminal elements have no regard for human life. They must be arrested to face the full might of the law,” said Major General Scheepers.

Anyone with information that assists police in capturing the suspects is requested to contact Lt Col Justice Ngobeni on the number 082 565 8326 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest Police or MysapsApp.

An unknown number of armed Cash-in-transit thugs who robbed security guards of an undisclosed amount of money at Elim Mall, Vhembe on Monday killed an innocent passerby. The incident took place at about 10:00.

The Police in Waterval, Limpopo have since launched a massive manhunt for the culprits.

According to the information, security guards from a cash-in-transit company were collecting money at one of the local stores in the mall. They were ambushed by unknown armed suspects who also opened fire on them and robbed them of cash.

CASH-IN-TRANSIT ROBBERY AT ELIM MALL

During the robbery, the security officials retaliated and a shootout ensued. In the process, a 16-year-old girl and a 26-year-old old man were shot and seriously injured. They were taken to the hospital where the 16-year-old succumbed to her injuries. The suspects also got away in a white Toyota Hilux Super cab.

Cash-in-transit criminals kill innocent passerby at Elim Mall
Cash-in-transit at Elim Mall

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The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers ordered a massive Manhunt for the suspects. He appealed to the community to provide the information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects.

“When we stick together, nothing can defeat us. It is high time that the criminals realize that they have no room to operate in our society,” said General Scheepers.

Anyone with information that can assist the Police to arrest the suspects involved is requested to contact Waterval Detective-Commander Captain Mabunda at 0825657901. Also crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest Police Station or MySAPSApp.

CRIME – A Manhunt has been ordered by Limpopo Police for the suspects who committed an aggravated cash-in-transit heist in Maupa Village on Saturday.

A driver of the CIT vehicle was shot and wounded, and a woman motorist was also seriously injured after she was later caught in the crossfire between the Police and suspects.

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The preliminary Police investigation revealed that the CIT vehicle with three occupants was heading towards Giyani and driving along the R81 road. This is when a group of suspects traveling in a white Range Rover coming from the opposite direction bumped the cash van.

CASH-IN-TRANSIT HEIST AT MAUPA VILLAGE

The driver swerved and managed to avoid the collision, the Range Rover then passed. Another group of suspects driving in a blue Mercedes Benz used a similar method. They managed to bump the cash van and the driver reduced speed. His crew jumped out to inspect the vehicle. But the same Range Rover suddenly emerged and opened fire on the Nissan NP200 which was escorting the security guards.

Burnt cash-in-transit van
Burnt cash-in-transit van

The driver of the cash van drove towards Maupa village for safety. But was accosted by the third group of suspects driving in a silver VW Amarok. The suspects opened fire on the cash van until the driver lost control and it stopped. The security guards managed to escape and fled to the bushes.

UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF MONEY STOLEN

Subsequently, the suspects blew up this security vehicle with explosives. They took an undisclosed amount of money before they fled the scene in the getaway vehicles and the victims’ Nissan NP200.

Police were alerted about the incident and immediately began the search for the suspects. They recovered one rifle that belonged to the security guards hidden inside one of the yards. The suspects’  getaway Mercedes Benz was later found burned along the R81 road. The Nissan NP200 was recovered in the nearby village without the keys, which were later found inside a Toyota Land Cruiser that was robbed by the same suspects after the heist.

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The driver of the cash van was taken to hospital for medical treatment. This also includes the 36-year-old female driver who sustained a gunshot wound when the suspects and police exchanged fire. They were cornered in the Tzaneen area driving in a Ford Ranger.

The suspects involved were allegedly speaking Zulu and XiTsonga languages.

Police have opened a case of armed robbery, two counts of attempted murder, and fourteen counts of malicious damage to property. This after 14 houses were damaged due to the explosions.

RELATED POST: Twenty Zimbabweans among CIT suspects involved in deadly shootout with police

A gang of about 25 gunmen from KwaZulu-Natal, Zimbabwe and Botswana were intercepted by police while planning a cash-in-transit heist in Johannesburg on Monday afternoon.

The confrontation happened in Rosettenville, a suburb in the south of Johannesburg and left 10 suspects dead and another eight arrested. Police had earlier said eight suspects were killed, but the police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, said at least 10 people had been killed in the shootout.

JOHANNESBURG CASH-IN-TRANSIT

Ipid spokesperson Grace Langa said five police officers were injured and a further two had to be airlifted to hospital.

Police Minister Bheki Cele who went to the scene shortly after the shooting unfolded, said police are on the hunt for the remaining suspects. Cele confirmed their nationalities during a media briefing.

According to Gauteng provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, police had placed the suspects under surveillance since last week.

PROVINCIAL LEADER GIVES UPDATE

On Monday, the suspects noticed that they were being followed and decided to rush to their safe house.

“There was money which they were observing and they were going to hit it but our members said prevention is better than cure,“ Mawela said.

Police recovered five stolen vehicles which were used by the suspects, AK47s with double magazines and R4s. There was also explosives and petrol.

Another firearm was found on the freeway after the suspected robbers threw it out of the window.