An intelligence-driven operation coordinated by Crime Intelligence, with support from the Gauteng Highway Patrol, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) Tshwane, resulted in the arrest of a 69-year-old suspect and the recovery of two hijacked vehicles and suspected explosives in Silverton, Pretoria, on Wednesday, 03 June 2026.
At approximately 06:30 on 03 June 2026, Crime Intelligence received information regarding a possible cash-in-transit robbery being planned in the Pretoria area. The intelligence was operationalized, with members working closely with Tshwane District Crime Intelligence as part of ongoing investigations into a criminal group suspected of planning cash-in-transit robberies across Gauteng.
Following further intelligence gathering, an operational team was deployed to a property in Silverton. Upon arrival, police searched the premises and recovered two vehicles: a Mercedes-Benz and a Toyota Fortuner, both fitted with false registration plates. Subsequent investigation confirmed that the Mercedes-Benz had been reported stolen in the Villieria policing precinct, while the Toyota Fortuner had been reported stolen in the Hartbeespoort policing area.
During the search of the Mercedes-Benz, officers discovered a five-litre container filled with petrol. A separate search of a white Toyota Quantum parked on the premises led to the discovery of a bag containing suspected explosives, which was seized for forensic analysis.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered vehicles may have been used in several cash-in-transit robberies and attempted robberies across Gauteng, including an attempted cash-in-transit robbery in Silverton on 30 May 2026.
The 69-year-old suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in court shortly on charges relating to possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles and possession of suspected explosives. Authorities indicated that additional charges may be added as investigations continue.
