Police have launched a manhunt for a group of about 20 suspects following an armed robbery at a gold mine in Witpoort, Ekurhuleni on Monday evening 21 October 2019, during which a security officer was fatally shot.
It is alleged that a group of heavily armed, balaclava clad suspects barricaded the entrances to the mine and held truck drivers hostage on site. A shootout ensued between the suspects and mine security resulting in the death of one security officer.
The suspects reportedly forced entry into the melting room and removed gold that had been laid to set in trays. The suspects then fled the scene in a white Isuzu utility van and a Toyota Quantum belonging to the mine.
Police were summoned to the scene and since the entrances were barricaded, had to penetrate the crime scene on foot, after which a shootout ensued. No police officers and no other persons were injured. The suspects managed to evade arrest.
Immediate investigation led police to a scene where the getaway vehicles were found abandoned by the suspects.
Hours later on Tuesday 22 October 2019, police took a woman into custody after police recovered and confiscated gold, vehicle registration plates, an undisclosed amount of cash, woven baskets, iron buckets filled with gold dust, and spades at a residence in Brakpan.
While police are appealing to the public for information towards apprehending the suspects, the public is warned not to confront the suspects as they are heavily armed.
Anyone with information may contact Brakpan SAPS on 011 744 7100 or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
