The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that six suspects involved in a cash-in-transit robbery were shot dead during a shootout with police and other law enforcement agencies in Laudium, Tshwane, on Monday, 24 February 2025, shortly after 5:00 PM.
A seventh suspect, aged 22, was arrested without injuries. Police also recovered five unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, Crime Intelligence received information about the suspects heading to Atteridgeville for a robbery.
A team, including the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit, Traffic Police Airwing, and others, was deployed to track them.
Masondo said the team spotted two vehicles, a BMW X1 and an Audi A4, following a cash-in-transit van. When the suspects noticed the police, they abandoned their plan and tried to flee.
A chase followed, and when the suspects were stopped in Laudium, they fired shots, sparking a shootout.
Six suspects were killed, one was arrested, and others escaped. The Audi A4 was found to have been hijacked in Cleveland, Johannesburg, in December 2024.
Masondo added that initial investigations suggest the suspects were involved in a recent robbery in Atteridgeville, where four security guards were injured, and possibly other robberies in Gauteng and beyond. 
The suspects face charges including conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, and attempted murder.

Pindula News

The police in South Africa stopped a robbery by shooting and killing six suspects. A seventh suspect was arrested. The police found guns and bullets with the suspects. The police were told about the robbery and went to catch the suspects. The suspects were following a van with money but ran away when they saw the police. The police caught them in Laudium and a fight started. The suspects were believed to be involved in other robberies too. They will be charged with crimes like trying to rob, having illegal guns, and trying to hurt others.

South African Police Arrest One And Kill Six In Cash-in-Transit Robbery Attempt

A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft of US$20,000 from a cash-in-transit vehicle belonging to a private security company on October 16, 2024. The vehicle was transporting cash from Beitbridge to Mutare at the time of the incident.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Kelvin Chisandako. He said:
<blockquote>
On 03rd November 2024, police in Masvingo arrested the suspect at Mangwawo Village, Mawarire, Mwenezi after receiving information that he was in possession of large sums of cash.
The suspect revealed to the police that he stole the money from the cash-in- transit vehicle which he boarded at Lutumba Business Centre, Beitbridge.
The arrest led to the recovery of USD$ 600.00 as well as ZAR 2 320.00 cash, an empty cash box and a Toyota Aqua vehicle, registration number AGO 5702, which the suspect bought for USD 9 800.00.
Investigations by the police established that the suspect used part of the money to buy 30 X 12 feet roofing sheets, 35 X 50 kg bags of cement, seven window frames, two French doors, 15 000 farm bricks, a cellphone and three men’s suits.
</blockquote>
Commissioner Nyathi commended members of the public for providing valuable information that led to the suspect’s arrest.
He urged the public to continue reporting any criminal activities to the police, either by calling the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, sending a message via WhatsApp to 0712 800 197, or by contacting their nearest police station. Said Comm. Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that the law takes its course on all criminals without fear or favour.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A 24-year-old man named Kelvin Chisandako was arrested for stealing US$20,000 from a cash-in-transit vehicle in Zimbabwe. He was caught with some of the stolen money in a village. The police also found a car and other items bought with the stolen cash. The police thanked the public for helping catch the suspect and asked for more help in reporting crimes. They promised to punish all criminals.

Man (24) Arrested Over US$20,000 Theft From Cash-in-Transit Vehicle

A cash-in-transit team lost US$20,000 to two hitchhikers they had picked up while travelling from Beitbridge to Mutare.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that the incident occurred on October 16, 2024.
The cash-transit team picked up the two passengers at Lutumba Service Centre and Machiloni in Beitbridge.
It was only after they had dropped off the passengers at Rutenga and Ngundu that the crew realised a locked metal cash box containing the money was missing. Said Commissioner Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating two separate cases of theft and robbery which occurred on 16th October 2024 and 15th October 2024 in Bulawayo and Masvingo.
In one of the cases which occurred on 16th October 2024 in Masvingo, US$20 000. 00 cash was stolen from a cash-in-transit vehicle belonging to a private security company. The vehicle was transporting cash from Beitbridge to Mutare.
Along the way, the cash-in-transit crew offered a lift to two unknown passengers at Lutumba Service Centre and Machiloni, Beitbridge. The passengers were later dropped off at Rutenga and Ngundu.
Upon arrival at Ngundu, the crew discovered that a locked metal cash box containing the cash was missing.
</blockquote>
In another armed robbery on Tuesday, seven suspects armed with pistols and a pick stormed a steel company in Belmont, Bulawayo. They overpowered the security guards and stole over US$32,000. Said Commissioner Nyathi:
<blockquote>
In another case of robbery which occurred on 15th October 2024 in Belmont, Bulawayo, US$32 500. 00 and ZAR 300. 00 cash were stolen after seven unknown male suspects, armed with pistols and a pick, stormed at a steel company.
The suspects tied two security guards and 12 workers, who were on duty, with shoelaces. One of the workers was struck on the head with a pick after attempting to escape. The suspects confiscated valuables and cellphones before stealing the cash.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may assist in the investigations of the cases.
Anyone with information should contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 70 3631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A cash-in-transit team lost $20,000 to hitchhikers they picked up. This happened on October 16, 2024, while traveling from Beitbridge to Mutare in Zimbabwe. The crew only realized the money was missing after dropping off the passengers. In another incident, armed robbers stole over $32,000 from a steel company in Belmont, Bulawayo. The robbers tied up guards and workers with shoelaces and stole cash and valuables. The police are investigating both cases and asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Cash-in-transit Crew Lose US$20 000 To Passengers

The death toll following a shootout between South African police and a gang of heavily armed cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers in Limpopo Province on Friday has risen to 19.
Police swooped in on a luxury villa in Makhado on Friday evening.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola that police intended “to arrest them before they go out and commit the crime”.
However, the police officers were met with gunfire by the gang and a shootout, which lasted about 90 minutes, ensued.
Initially, Police said 18 suspects were killed during the shootout, but while processing the scene on Saturday, they found another body of a male.
<a href="https://ewn.co.za/2023/09/03/limpopo-shootout-death-toll-rises-to-19-officer-loses-leg">Eyewitness News</a> quoted the Provincial Communication Officer at Limpopo Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Matimba Maluleke, as saying:
<blockquote>
As we were busy processing the scene, we discovered another body in the house. That brings the total of the deceased persons to 19 – 17 males and two females.
</blockquote>
He said police also discovered three vehicles allegedly stolen in Gauteng. Said Maluleke:
<blockquote>
We also found three vehicles that were reportedly stolen in Gauteng. It was a Ford Ranger, a VW Tiguan and a Mercedes Benz ML.
</blockquote>
A seasoned Hawks officer involved in Friday’s shooting, Lieutenant Colonel Joe Coetzer, was injured during the shootout and has had his leg amputated.
Police said Coetzer was airlifted to hospital following the shootout. Despite medical intervention, surgeons could not save his leg.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said the fatal shooting of the suspects sent a strong message to criminals that police wouldn’t hesitate to respond to criminality.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Death Toll In Limpopo Shootout Rises To 19

Police in South Africa on Friday killed 18 suspected robbers during a shootout in Limpopo Province.
According to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, the suspects were planning a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist.
Speaking on Friday from the crime scene in Makhado, Masemola said the suspects were responsible for similar crimes in other provinces. He said:
<blockquote>
We do believe this syndicate has been involved in a number of CITs in this province, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
</blockquote>
Masemola said one police officer was “injured very seriously” in the shootout, which lasted about 90 minutes.
In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS), said an investigation began in January with the help of the country’s intelligence unit, and the police had been tracking the suspects’ movements for a few days. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>
As soon as police approached the address, the group of suspects began shooting, and police retaliated. Sixteen males and two females were declared dead at the scene.
</blockquote>
Masemola said that police intended “to arrest them before they go out and commit the crime”.
Cash truck heists happen regularly in South Africa, and in 2022, 10 suspects died during a cash-in-transit shootout with police.
The would-be robbers had fired at a police helicopter and wounded one of the pilots.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South African Police Kill 18 Suspected Robbers In Shootout

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has refuted social media reports that four robbers who raided a Safeguard Security company cash-in-transit vehicle just outside Mukuru money transfer agency in Bulawayo on Monday have been arrested.
The four suspects pounced on the vehicle at around 8.40 am at the intersection of 13th Avenue and Lobengula Street and went away with US$100 000 and over R500 000.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspects were yet to be apprehended. He said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP advises the public that the claims circulating on social media to the effect that armed robbery suspects who pounced at Mukuru Bureau in Bulawayo yesterday have been arrested are false.
Investigations are in progress and the suspects have not been arrested.
</blockquote>
Asst Comm Nyathi said the police will release details on any developments over the case.

Mukuru Bureau Robbers Still On The Run - Police

Police have appealed for information from members of the public that may lead to the arrest of four armed robbery suspects linked to the robbery of a cash-in-transit vehicle at Mukuru Bureau in Bulawayo on Monday.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Senior Staff Officer [Press and Public Relations], Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, on Tuesday said the suspects went away with US$100 000 and half a million rands. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
ARMED ROBBERY CASE INVOLVING A CASH-IN-TRANSIT VEHICLE IN BULAWAYO
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms an armed robbery case which occurred on 1st August 2022 at around 0845 hours at Mukuru Bureau at corner Lobengula Street and 13th Avenue, Bulawayo.
A cash-in-transit vehicle was intercepted by a Toyota Mark X vehicle with four suspects on board, armed with unidentified pistols and a rifle.
The suspects forced the driver out of the cash-in-transit vehicle before disarming his colleagues.
They then loaded two boxes with ZAR 500 000 and US$100 000 cash into their vehicle and sped off.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified investigations in connection with the case. 
Anyone with information to contact Bulawayo Operations on (0292) 885479 or National Complaint Desk on (0242) 703631 or Police General Headquarters on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>

Police Confirm Bulawayo Cash-in-transit Armed Robbery

Four armed robbers got away with US$100 000 and R500 000 on Monday morning after robbing a cash-in-transit Safeguard vehicle which was delivering money at a Mukuru branch along 13th Avenue and Lobengula Street in Bulawayo.
<a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/cash-in-transit-armed-robbers-get-away-with-us100-000/">The Chronicle</a> reports that one of the robbers shot at people who were queuing outside the branch while his accomplices went for the money boxes.
The incident happened around 9 am this Monday when the armed robbers suddenly arrived at the money transfer company, forcing people who were queuing for foreign currency services to lie down before stealing bags full of cash.
The men, who were armed with guns, reportedly drove off as security guards tried shooting at their getaway silver car <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/01/armed-robbers-rob-mukuru-of-thousands-of-dollars-that-had-just-been-delivered/">which witnesses</a> said was a Toyota Belta.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Update On Mukuru Robbery: Over US$100 000 Cash Stolen

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has sentenced eight men, among them Zimbabweans, to three life sentences and a total of 120 years in prison on Wednesday for cash-in-transit (CIT)-related crimes.
According to Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo, on 1 September 2017, a team of Port Shepstone-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Special Task Force and Crime Intelligence Gathering received intelligence about a group of men who were going to attack a cash van that was travelling from Kokstad to Harding.
The officers acted on the information and spotted three vehicles on the N2 highway near Stafford Post. Said Nxumalo:
<blockquote>
The police instructed the vehicles to stop but the occupants fired shots at the police. Police returned fire, fatally wounding three men and injuring one. Five assault rifles, two pistols and explosives were recovered. 
</blockquote>
Eight men were arrested at the scene and were charged with conspiracy to commit a cash-in-transit robbery, murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of explosives as well as hijacking of two vehicles.
A police investigation revealed that two of their vehicles had been hijacked from the owners in Cato Manor, April 2017 and Alexander, June 2017 respectively.
The eight accused, Xolani Mpisane, 40, Njabulo Ngcobo, 48, Mzwenduna Blose, 41, Sabelo Buthelezi, 39, Thuthukani Dlamini, 35, Msizi Mkhize, 45, Sibusiso Ngwenya, 33, and Sipho Nyosi, 38, appeared in court during a lengthy trial until their successful conviction. 
Nxumalo added that they were all convicted and they received life imprisonment with 120 year-imprisonment each which will run concurrently. 
Police Minister Bheki Cele, said last month that the country was “under attack” by the CIT heists that keep going up in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
More: The Citizen

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