A suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery gang narrowly escaped arrest after a joint intelligence-driven operation uncovered seven rifles, a pistol and a hijacked BMW X5 at a house in Daveyton.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday evening by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the operation forms part of an ongoing investigation into a group believed to be linked to several serious and violent crimes across Gauteng.
Mathe said that, acting on intelligence, law enforcement officers descended on a house in Daveyton on the East Rand on Wednesday evening.
Image: Supplied/SAPS
Police searched the premises and seized multiple items.
“Upon searching the premises, police recovered seven rifles, one pistol, reflector jackets and a hijacked BMW X5.”
Although the suspects managed to flee before police arrived, Mathe said an overnight manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest those believed to be involved.
“An overnight manhunt is currently underway to trace and arrest the known suspects who managed to evade arrest.”
Image: Supplied/SAPS
Meanwhile, acting national police commissioner of the SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended the coordinated efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.
“This intelligence-driven operation is a clear indication that the SAPS remains resolute in its mission to combat cash-in-transit robberies and other serious and violent crimes.”
“We have made significant inroads in dismantling CIT syndicates, and we will continue to deal decisively with those who terrorise our communities and endanger the lives of innocent citizens,” Dimpane said.
Dimpane further warned criminals involved in cash-in-transit robberies that their days are numbered.
Image: Supplied/SAPS
“Cash-in-transit robberies are highly organised and violent crimes that require a coordinated response from law enforcement.”
“Our intelligence capabilities continue to improve, and we are closing in on those responsible. We will hunt them down, arrest them and ensure they face the full might of the law.”
Mathe said investigations are continuing, and more arrests are expected as the manhunt intensifies.
