Two suspects dead during a foiled cash heist in Soweto

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Two suspects were fatally wounded while an R5 rifle and three AK47s recovered in a foiled cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery on Saturday evening in Dobsonville, Soweto.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a preliminary report suggests police were following up on information, on a planned CIT robbery.

“They proceeded to an active scene in Dobsonville where suspects were intercepted before they could execute their plan to bomb a CIT cash van.

“Upon arrival, SAPS members were met by gunfire from suspects, and members returned fire,” she stated.

[ SAPS FOILS CIT HEIST IN SOWETO] Two CIT robbers have been shot dead, one R5 rifle &three AK47 automatic rifles have been seized after police foiled a CIT armed robbery in Dobsonville on Saturday , 03 February 2024, after 17:30. A manhunt is underway for the remaining suspects. pic.twitter.com/FVNNjbcvNs

— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) February 3, 2024

Brig Mathe added that the police also recovered three vehicles that were used in the commission of the crime.

National police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola said the men and women in blue remains resolute in addressing serious and violent crimes will continue to deal decisively against serious and violent crime.

He continued; “Our intelligence operators are on the ground, our teams are on high alert. We cannot rule with criminals, it’s either them or us, our focus is to ensure the safety and security of law abiding citizens.

“We will continue to sharpen our focus and clamp down on serious and violent crime with a view to apprehend and ensure successful conviction of those behind CIT crimes in the country”.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects who fled the scene on foot.

Anyone with information is urged to contact their nearest police station.

ALSO READ | Manhunt launched for cash heist suspects on Golden Highway

Meanwhile, two suspects were arrested on Friday, for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

According to Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani, the Fezile Dabi District Trio Task Team members received information about a white Volkswagen Polo traveling towards Parys with occupants in possession of firearms and planning to commit a robbery.

“The members strategically patrolled around the area and eventually cornered the suspects at one of the shops in Parys.

“The duo aged between 28 and 31 were searched and two unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered in their possession.

“A white Polo, a 9mm PX firearm with 8 rounds, magazine and a 9mm Norinco, 3 rounds and magazine were confiscated,” she said.

Rani added that the two suspects will appear before the Parys magistrate court on Monday, on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.