Suspect killed in cash heist

One of the fastest-growing forms of aggravated robbery, says researcher

CASH-IN-TRANSIT robberies are one of the fastest-growing forms of aggravated robbery in South Africa, said Institute for Security Studies (ISS) researcher Johan Burger.

In the latest incident in Cape Town, the N2 between the M9 at Macassar and Baden Powell Drive had to be closed due to a cash-in-transit heist that took place on Monday night.

National police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said the robbers had been stopped in their tracks.

Naidoo said a group of armed men attacked a cash-in-transit vehicle using explosives, and gained access to the money in the vehicle.

“Flying Squad members who were on patrol on the N2 reacted to the incident and confronted the suspects. Back-up Flying Squad members arrived at the scene and a shootout ensued, but the suspects fled in three luxury sedans, taking an undisclosed amount of money,” Naidoo said.

“The fleeing suspects were pursued and one of their vehicles was forced to a stop on the N2. Inside the vehicle, a dead suspect was found. A second vehicle was forced to stop in Sinovuyo Street, Zwelitsha, Khayelitsha.”

Naidoo said an injured suspect, armed with an R5 assault rifle, was arrested.

“This vehicle was reported stolen in Claremont, in May. The third vehicle was recovered further down the road, with money bags in the boot. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Khayelitsha, in July.” Naidoo said more money bags, an AK47 with nine rounds of ammunition and a 9mm pistol had been recovered close to the crime scene.

“The police are still searching for more suspects,” he said.

Western Cape Traffic chief Kenny Africa said the N2 inbound had been affected from 10pm on Monday after the incident. However, it was reopened yesterday.

Also yesterday, three men were injured following a cash-in-transit heist on the N8, opposite the airport, in Bloemfontein.

In another incident, three men – between the ages of 28 and 43 – appeared at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court in Pretoria yesterday, for alleged conspiracy to commit a cash-in-transit heist at the weekend.

“What is striking about these robberies is the brazenness of the criminals, and the violence associated with it. Equally concerning is the apparent inability of the criminal justice system to stop them,” Burger said.

What is striking about these robberies is the brazenness Johan Burger RESEARCHER: INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES