Manhunt underway for suspects involved in cash heist

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A manhunt is underway that can lead to the arrest and recovery of firearm and money looted during cash in transit robbery at Mhala policing area in Mpumalanga on Saturday.

According to the Hawks, the armoured vehicle of Fidelity Security Company was transporting money from retail outlets around Thulamahashe to the depot when their vehicle was rammed by silver Mercedes Benz.

The escort vehicle of Fidelity FCS, a Toyota Hilux bakkie was attacked by two VW Polos, white and silver, in color, the Hawks spokesperson captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi confirmed.

She said they shot and injured the driver who was taken to the hospital for medical treatment and two of their rifles were taken.

“The two Polos followed the armoured vehicle and shot at it until it stopped. The suspects forced the driver and the crew out of the vehicle and pushed them into the bushes.

“The firearms of the crew were also taken. About 20 suspects, all wearing balaclavas, gloves, bulletproof vests and were Zulu speaking, attacked the armoured vehicle.

“The suspects blew the armoured vehicle twice with explosives and an undisclosed amount of money was taken. The suspects fled the scene in the direction of Dwarsloop,” she remarked.

Sekgotodi stated that it was further reported that the community descended on the crime scene and looted the remainder of the loose money scattered around.

A case for cash in transit robbery, attempted murder and armed robbery has been opened for further investigation.

Citizens requested to join in on the manhunt

Meanwhile, the provincial head major general Nicholas Gerber has requested anyone with information to contact the police.

He further assured the public that all information received will be treated with strictest confidentiality.

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“The Hawks are once more appealing to the public and urge them to refrain from contaminating the crime scene as it is dangerous because there might be some explosives which were not detonated during the blast.

“They may explode and injure them while collecting the money. It is further requested that anyone who knows the suspects to report to the police or the investigator,” he concluded.