Picture: Suspected stolen vehicles/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 November 2024 – As part of combating aggravated robberies in line with the Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela, a suspect was arrested in Tlhabane following a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robbery. The incident occurred at about 5:30pm on 11 November 2024.
It is alleged that a white Mercedes Benz vehicle rammed into a Cash In Transit security vehicle on the R104 road at Kroondal in Rustenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said although the security guard (driver) continued driving, he was forced to stop after shots were fired at their vehicle. Myburgh said as a result, he and his colleague jumped out of the vehicle, but were caught by suspects who robbed them of their 9mm pistols.
“The suspects then blew the security van up with explosives and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, driving in two vehicles. The security officers were not harmed.
“Following the incident, intelligence gathered led the police to an address in Kagiso Township, in Krugersdorp, whereby a Toyota Quantum suspected to have been used to transport the suspects between Gauteng and North West, was confiscated,” she said.
Myburgh further said the police then proceeded to Tlhabane, near Rustenburg, and with the assistance of Rustenburg Flying Squad, a woman (40), was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning for possession of suspected stolen/hijacked motor vehicles. She added that the police confiscated two vehicles.
“A Toyota Bakkie that was allegedly stolen in Bloemfontein in August 2024, and a Volkswagen Tiguan allegedly hijacked from its owner in August 2024, in Boitekong. The vehicles were confiscated on suspicion that they were used during the commission of the crime.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court soon,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all members involved in tracking the suspect and vehicles for their diligence and applying a multi-disciplinary approach to bring the suspect to book and to ensure a safe and secure environment for all, especially during the festive season.
Kwena is also requesting members of the community to refrain from tampering and/or contaminating the crime scene as it happened in this instance.
“Anyone who may have information that can assist the police in the investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Capt Mollo Kgekoane of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) on Cell: 082 338 3140,” she said.
The Guardian 