No new leads on R34 cash-in-transit heist case
POLICE are still on the hunt for four suspects involved in the foiled cash-intransit (CIT) heist on the R34 last week.
According to national police spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, no arrests have yet been made, but crime intelligence continue to work on new leads.
The ZO previously reported that the SAPS Special Task Force (STF) and the National Intervention Unit (NIU) had been mobilised proactively after intelligence was received that the vehicle was going to be attacked on Wednesday morning.
One policeman was wounded following a shoot-out which ensued between members and four heavily armed suspects.
A pump action shotgun inside the suspects’ Toyota Hilux Legend was recovered near Mtunzini later that day.
CIT heists down by 63%
Police Minister Bheki Cele has meanwhile revealed that CIT heists in the country have declined by 63% over the past three months.
Cele was reporting back to the media during a briefing held in Durban the day following the R34 heist attempt.
‘It is encouraging to note that, from a proactive perspective, Crime Intelligence initially identified more than 30 high profile suspects linked to more than 200 cases, dating back from 1995, relating to cash-in-transit heists, associated robberies and other feeder crimes such as carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, business robberies and possession of stolen property.
‘Eighteen of these suspects have been arrested so far, with the most notable being Willington Bibi Cenenda who was arrested during a crime intelligence driven operation in Bloemfontein on 26 of July. He was wanted for at least 23 CIT robberies.
‘Four of the top 20 ranking suspects have also been arrested. We are serious about turning the tide,’ he said.
Cele further revealed that since April to July this year, SAPS have made significant inroads in breaking the backs of the syndicates involved in CIT robberies.
He made specific reference to Gauteng, which experienced a 65% reduction in heists.
Drugs and police killings
Cele emphasised that while drug related crimes decreased by 1 049 cases from July 2017 (38 378) to July 2018 (37
329), the killing of on and off duty police members continues to remain a huge concern.
‘We are well aware that we can have many police safety initiatives and plans in place, but it will never succeed if we don’t have the buy-in and cooperation of our communities.
‘We appeal to everyone at all levels of society to stand together with the South African Police Services to stop the ruthless criminals who threaten the stability and peace in our country.
‘Our members are our most precious asset and without them there will be no police service.
‘While I am satisfied with the progress, our fight with these criminals is not yet over,’ Cele concluded.
While I am satisfied with the progress, our fight with these criminals is not yet over