The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola says police have broken the back of a syndicate possibly responsible for a number of Cash-In-Transit (CIT) heists in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
Various units within the SAPS have been keeping observation on a group of suspects who were allegedly planning a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) heist in Limpopo. The observation was made for a number of days before they pounced on an identified address in Makhado today.
As soon as police approached the address, the group of suspects began shooting, police retaliated. Sixteen males and two females were declared dead at the scene.
At a second address in Thohoyandou, four suspects were arrested.
Ten vehicles including several high powered performance vehicles and seven automatic rifles have been seized.
Various policing experts are still combing the scene.
A senior police officer attached to the DPCI was wounded during the shootout and is currently receiving medical care in hospital.
General Masemola led a delegation of senior police officers to the crime scene this afternoon and says police are clamping down on serious and violent crimes throughout the country.
“We continue to heighten police visibility throughout the country. Many thanks to the team who has worked hard to stamp the authority of the state. We wish the injured member a speedy recovery. We do believe this syndicate has been involved in a number of CITs in this province, Mpumalanga and Gauteng”, said Gen Masemola.
The National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya says this is a culmination of a major investigation that began as early as January this year.
“Limpopo and Mpumalanga joined forces in addressing the syndicate that was identified based on several follow ups that were made by the team. So indeed, we do believe we have the suspects that we have been following. Further investigations will continue to ascertain other crimes that the group may have perpetrated. A speedy recovery to the DPCI Officer”, said Lt Gen Lebeya.
The teams involved in foiling this planned CIT include the DPCI National Priority Violent Crime Desk, Mpumalanga DPCI Head Office Tactical Operations Management Services, Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Special Task Force, and Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/selnewsdetails.php?nid=48175.
