Seven held after woman killed in heist shooting

● Top cop praises team for swift action after Mthatha robbery

The country’s top cop has condemned the killing of an innocent woman who was hit by stray bullets when cash-intransit robbers indiscriminately opened fire on an armoured vehicle in the Eastern Cape.

The incident – during which a man was also wounded – happened on the N2 in Mthatha at 6.30pm on Monday, with police arresting two of the suspects at a fuel station in the town by 9.30pm.

On Tuesday, a further five suspects were arrested in Gauteng.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said the suspects were travelling in a light delivery vehicle when they fired shots at the armoured van – forcing it to stop.

“They then disarmed the three security guards, tied them up and forced open the safe, removing an undisclosed amount of money as well as three firearms,” he said.

“During the shooting, three vehicles that were passing were hit by stray bullets.

“A 30-year-old woman was shot and killed and a man who was wounded was rushed to hospital.”

Naidoo said the 72-hour activation plan was immediately implemented.

This saw several policing units, including Crime Intelligence, the Hawks, forensic experts and a tactical team activated to track down the gang.

“The team initially found an abandoned vehicle in Maclear. Within hours, at about 9.30pm, they tracked down a vehicle with no number plates at a filling station in Mthatha.

“While searching the vehicle, damaged money and an unlicensed CZ75 pistol were confiscated and two men were arrested.”

Investigations continued and the tracking team managed to trace and apprehend five suspects near the Nigel offramp in Gauteng.

They were found to be travelling in a Toyota Hilux bakkie with false number plates.

During a search of the vehicle, a false compartment was discovered where an undis- closed amount of money, three rifles, including two AK47s, magazines and rounds of ammunition were found.

National police commissioner General Khehla John Sitole commended the dedicated team for its efforts.

“We will not rest until we win the war on the scourge of aggravated robberies, particularly cash-in-transit robberies.

“The arrest of these suspects must serve as a deterrence to others,” Sitole said.

“It is, however, extremely disturbing that innocent people are caught in the middle of such heinous crimes.

“As I convey my sincere condolences to the family of the woman, I wish the wounded man a speedy recovery.”