EMALAHLENI – Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, stated that police received information about cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery suspects heading to Mpumalanga. Additionally, they received reports of an attempted robbery that had just taken place in Witbank.
“The team followed the suspects to a safe house at Tasbet Park. As they approached the house, the suspects, who were dispersing and driving a Toyota Quantum, spotted the police and began shooting,” said Masondo. “Police and private security officers retaliated, resulting in the death of five suspects at the scene. Eight others were arrested, while approximately nine managed to flee.”
Police from various units and private security officers fatally shot five alleged cash-in-transit robbers following a shootout in Mpumalanga’s Tasbet Park suburb in Witbank before midday on April 3, 2024. Eight suspects were arrested, while about nine managed to escape.
Masondo further indicated that all police members and security officers emerged unharmed from the shooting. The police are searching for the suspects who managed to flee, with an estimated nine still at large.
The team recovered five rifles, including two AK47s, two pistols, and a total of four vehicles (three of which were hijacked in Gauteng) – at the residential premise. According to reports, the residential premise was identified as the “safe house” utilized by the suspects.
“The suspects will be charged with murder, attempted murder, possession of prohibited and unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as cash-in-transit related offenses,” added Masondo.
Further investigation is underway to link the suspects to other crimes. The public has commended the police for their successful operation, with some expressing that it is a step in the right direction towards combating the prevalent crime in the country.
