Free State police arrest 2nd suspect after N8 cash-in-transit heist

A 58-year-old man who had been on the run since September 2 in connection with a cash-in-transit robbery on the N8 near Bloemfontein has been arrested.

According to Bloemfontein Courant, Free State Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti confirmed that the suspect owns the house where vehicles, rifles, ammunition and explosives were recovered shortly after the robbery.

“It is alleged that the cash delivery van was travelling on the N8 when a group of armed suspects attacked. They took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene. Later on the same day, a marked police vehicle was shot at by suspects believed to be part of the robbery. No one was injured,” said Matoti.

Intelligence leads to arrest

A multi-disciplinary team was established to track down the suspects. Intelligence led officers to a house in Section H, Botshabelo, where two vehicles matching the description of those used in the robbery were found. One of the vehicles had been reported stolen in Bloemfontein in May.

“A search of the house and vehicles led to the discovery of several assault rifles, a pistol, rounds of ammunition, bullet-resistant vests, clothing items and an unknown concoction inside a bottle. The house owner was nowhere to be found,” Matoti added.

Charges and ongoing investigation

The suspect has since been charged alongside his 35-year-old co-accused with cash-in-transit robbery, attempted murder and the illegal possession of rifles, prohibited firearms and ammunition. Investigations are ongoing.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.