The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, launched Operation Gijima Tsotsi after cash in transit (CIT) heists became a problem in Mpumalanga. This operation, coupled with the 72 hour Activation Plan, are implemented to mobilise necessary resources within the SAPS after serious crime is committed so that critical evidence is not lost.
On 4 June 2018, the Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, as well as the National Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole, also launched a National Stabilisation Operation as a result of the spate of CIT robberies which had reached unprecedented proportions.
All these operations are aimed at eradicating the scourge of violent crimes and are carried out by different integrated formations within the SAPS.
The management of the police recently announced a considerable number of suspects who have been arrested in connection with CIT robberies and this is indicative that the formations are equal to the task at hand. Further to that, on the most recent CIT robbery that took place last week, on Thursday, 2 August 2018, at Kanyamazane, near Nelspruit, two suspects have been arrested.
The villains are expected to appear in court on 8 August 2018, facing charges of armed robbery (cash-in-transit) and other related charges.
In another success, on Sunday, 5 August 2018, the team managed to arrest 25 year old Desmod Khulekani Seoko, who skipped bail some time last year. Seoko was a wanted fugitive for a number of armed robberies in the province. During his appearance, the Mhala Magistrates’ Court remanded him in custody and is expected to be back at the same court on 28 August 2018.
Police investigations are continuing on the CIT robberies and an earnest appeal is made to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of other wanted suspects to contact Brigadier Botsotso Moukangwe at 082 304 0020 or SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
The Provincial Commissioner praised the team members for the good work they are doing and warned criminals, who cause great inconvenience to economic operations as well as havoc due to these heists, that the net is closing on them.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
