Two suspects were killed and another two were arrested in an attempted cash van heist on the R42 in Delmas, Mpumalanga, on Monday. This incident comes a week after the deadly shooting which happened in Rosettenville where eight suspects were killed on the scene, eleven arrested and four police officers were wounded, of which one died a few days later.
Selvy Mohala, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, said a group of heavily armed suspects attacked a cash delivery van. The suspects tried to rob the security guards, but their efforts came to waste. “Police were alerted and swiftly went to the scene. Upon their arrival a shoot-out with police ensued. The police defended themselves. Two suspects were fatally wounded, while two other suspects reportedly hijacked a Toyota Quantum minibus. The police managed to pursue the vehicle and arrested the two suspects, aged 24 and 34. The rest of the suspects fled the scene.
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The police found two stolen vehicles, which were used by the suspects – a white Porsche Cayenne and a silver BMW SUV. They managed to also recover police hand radios, and a rifle with magazines, which were all used in the robbery. The two arrested suspects will be appearing at the Delmas district court facing charges of armed robbery, being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and possession of explosives.
The police are still on the lookout for the suspects who fled the scene. Simakaleng Daphney Manamela commended the police for acting swiftly when they were called in as the suspects were attacking the cash delivery van. She also sent a very stern warning to those who think of targeting other cash vans. “People should take note that the province of Mpumalanga is not a place where criminals can do as they like. The formidable team of our members is ever ready for meeting fire with fire.”
Source: News24, Times Live, Sowetan Live, image from News24
