Police had a major breakthrough yesterday when they arrested eight suspects and confiscated five AK-47 rifles, a cache of explosives and three stolen vehicles.

Witbank News reports this success follows intelligence-led information gathered by Witbank Crime Intelligence on Friday that indicated a potential robbery planned by a group of heavily armed men.

Robbery plot uncovered in Vosman

The information revealed that a gang was gearing up in Vosman, eMalahleni, for a robbery.

Yesterday, SAPS located the suspects’ hideout and, as they approached the house, the suspects attempted to escape but were swiftly cornered.

Firearms, explosives and vehicles seized

In addition to the firearms and explosives seized, three vehicles were recovered: An Audi A4 with Gauteng registration, a GWM Florid with Mpumalanga registration plates and a Toyota Fortuner with Eastern Cape registration.

It is reported that the Audi was stolen during a robbery in Sunnyside in November and the Toyota was reported stolen in Fish Hoek in the Western Cape in July.

Charges and investigation

The suspects, aged between 29 and 51 years, are facing charges, including illegal possession of explosives, firearms, ammunition and suspected stolen vehicles.

“Police cannot rule out possibilities of more charges added against the suspects as the investigation continues,” says Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

Multi-unit operation

Mdhluli adds this operation was conducted by several teams, including the Pienaar and Witbank Tactical Response Teams, the Tracking Team, the Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Task Team, the Middelburg Flying Squad and Tracker Connect.

This successful operation comes shortly after yesterday’s visit by the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, to the Safer Festive Season Operations in Nkangala, Mpumalanga, where he was accompanied by SAPS head office, including Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili and Simemosenkosi Chamane, as well as acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi.

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