Manhunt underway for cash heist suspects

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Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for a group of suspects following a shootout with law enforcement on the M1 south just before the Booysens off-ramp.

A police officer sustained gunshot wound while a suspect died during the shootout following a
cash-in-transit heist on Wednesday afternoon in Springs.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, armed suspects forced a cash van to come to a halt.

“The security guards had just picked up money from various outlets and were on their way back to their base when they were disarmed and the cash van bombed.

“Suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of money.

“The suspects were traced in the same evening on the M1 south just before the Booysens off-ramp.

“A shootout ensued with the suspects who were travelling in a Toyota Quantum. One suspect was certified dead at the scene while two others were apprehended.

“Three rifles were recovered, cash and two cellphones have been seized.

“Two empty cash bags, as well as implements used in armed robberies were found in their getaway vehicle,” she said.

A manhunt is underway for the remaining suspects.

The acting national police commissioner, lieutenant general Tebello Mosikili commended the swift reaction by the law enforcement officer.

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“We continue to deal decisively with serious and violent crime in various provinces and will take down syndicates and groups involved in these crimes. Either, they surrender or we will continue to hunt and take them down.”

Mosikili said police remain on high alert and ready to takedown syndicates.

“In the past week, 10 158 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder and armed robberies.

“Operation Shanela continues to register commendable progress.

Since its inception on May 8, 2023, a total of 155 970 suspects have been arrested.”