Two locals arrested after Hillbrow cash-in-transit heist

TWO of nine suspects arrested after a cashin-transit heist in Hillbrow, Johannesburg two weeks ago, are Zululanders.

Philani Mncube (48) from Hluhluwe and Sipho Dlamini (26) from Ulundi were members of the gang who attacked and fired shots at a parked cash-in-transit vehicle, an incident which subsequently resulted in a policeman being fatally wounded following a hot pursuit and shootout.

According to police, the suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money after the hit on the cash-in-transit vehicle, during which two security guards and two bystanders were wounded.

The Johannesburg Flying Squad,

SAPS Hillbrow Cluster members and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department responded and pursued the getaway vehicles.

The suspects started firing at police, who responded.

Reports indicate that at least seven firearms, including rifles and pistols, and three vehicles were recovered after the robbers were arrested.

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the suspects will make a second appearance in court today (Monday), but could not provide further information as the case was ‘at a sensitive stage’.

While the cases are in no way linked, the Hillbrow heist took place a week after 25kg of explosive gel had been stolen from the Zululand Anthracite Mine (ZAC) near Ulundi.

Ulundi police spokesperson, Captain Nkosie Gwala, confirmed that Nongoma police are still conducting their investigations into the case and no arrests have yet been made.