Nine killed in weekend cash in transit heist near Nongoma
Seven robbers, a Crime Intelligence officer as well as a Special Task Force member were killed during a cash in transit heist last Friday
A female police officer is still recovering in hospital and two male officers were fatally wounded during a shootout during a cash in transit heist near Nongoma this past weekend.
Reports state that members of the South African Police Service’s Special Task Force (STF) and Crime Intelligence (CI) were tipped off about a cash-in-transit vehicle that was targeted for an armed robbery along the Hlabisa road in Nongoma.
A group of heavily armed suspects pounced on the vehicle at around 7pm last Friday, using explosives to access the money.
ALSO READ: PREVIEW: Three police officers wounded in Nongoma shootout
The police, Special Task Force (STF) and Crime Intelligence (CI) are said to have made it to the scene within minutes and a shootout ensued.
Seven of the robbers, a Crime Intelligence officer as well as a Special Task Force member were killed during the encounter. The female police officer was also hurt in the crossfire.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, expressed his condolences to the families of the two police officers who died during the shootout.
“We are deeply saddened that we have lost two dedicated members of the SAPS who were trying to foil a robbery at the hands of criminals.
As the provincial government, we would like to commend the police for their sterling work and members of the community who shared this critical information with the police,” said the MEC.
He went on to say that the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the provincial government were proud of the bravery these officers showed.
ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: Second cash in transit heist in NKZN this week
Four AK-47 rifles were recovered by the police.
The white BMW with a NRB registration that was used by the alleged robbers is believed to have been the same one that was used during the robbery that occurred at Shell garage in Nongoma two weeks ago.
Get regular news updates. Follow the Vryheid Herald on Facebook and Twitter.
Got news? Email estella@caxton.co.za or Whatsapp 0792567570.
