Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered an intensive manhunt for the suspects responsible for aggravated cash-in-transit heists committed throughout the province.
The recent incident took place at Tshakhuma in the Vhembe district on 1 June 2023 at about 08:00.
The preliminary police investigation revealed that the CIT vehicle was heading towards Thohoyandou and driving along the R524 road when one suspect travelling in a white Toyota Camry coming from the opposite direction collided with the cash van.
Suddenly, an unknown number of suspects armed with pistols and rifles emerged on foot. The driver of the cash van and his crew fled the scene while the guard was trapped inside.
Subsequently, the suspects placed explosives onto the cash van and took an undisclosed amount of money.
They torched the Toyota Camry before they fled in a VW Amarok double cab silver grey in colour as well as a white Toyota Etios and Rav4 Toyota.
The suspects also robbed the victims of one firearm and they headed towards Thohoyandou.
The security guard who was trapped inside the vehicle was assisted by the community who called the police and an ambulance. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital for medical treatment.
The Provincial Commissioner has further ordered the establishment of a Task Team to track down and apprehend those behind these heists which are currently prevalent in the province.
“We appeal to the community and stakeholders to join hands to assist in the prevention of these crimes by providing information about the perpetrators involved, said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Police have opened a case of armed robbery and attempted murder.
Anyone with information that can assist in the apprehension of the suspects should urgently contact Captain George Mutavhatsindi on 071 351 7275 or Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 0827492233 or the Crime Stop number 0860010111.
They may also use MySAPSApp to share the information or contact the nearest police station.
