Three SBV security officers, believed to have been on their way to deliver a large amount of cash to SPAR in Ximhungwe last week, were shot and wounded by a gang of approximately 15 robbers.
According to the police’s Capt Leroy Bruwer, the attackers are still at large. Spokesman for Netcare 911, Ms Athlenda Mathe said one of the security officials had suffered tear-gas inhalation and another was critically wounded.
The suspects blasted the vehicle with explosives and engaged in a shoot-out with the security guards before fleeing. A reward of R1 million has been offered by the affected company, SBV Services for information which could lead to the successful arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
According to Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, the suspects blasted the vehicle using a generator and commercial explosives and opened fire on the guards with R5 and 9mm weapons.
“A grey Mercedes-Benz rammed the security vehicle and other suspects were in a white Mercedes and a BMW,” she said.
The BMW in which the suspects fled was found about 20 kilometres from the crime scene. Its tyre was punctured after which the vehicle was set alight.
Firearms and a generator used in the attack, were found in the torched BMW.
According to the company’s MD, Mr Mark Barrett, its risk and compliance team is working with authorities to apprehend the perpetrators and will persist with the investigation until they are brought to justice.
The most recent crime statistics, presented to the parliament by Mr Nkosinathi Nhleko, revealed that organised crime like the above have been plaguing the Lowveld, and in particular the Hazyview area for the past year.
It is especially prevalent in the area stretching from KaNyamazane to Hazyview, and Bushbuckridge to Acornhoek. These robberies have increased by 28,8 per cent with a national increase of 15,1 per cent.
Mpumalanga is one of only two provinces that experienced an increase in crime over the past year. A four per cent increase in criminal activity was recorded in the province and 4,3 per cent in Limpopo.
Anyone with information should report it to Capt Leroy Bruwer on 082-065-1422.
