LIMPOPO – The Limpopo Hawks have launched an intensive manhunt for a group of armed suspects allegedly responsible for a cash-in-transit robbery at the Venda Plaza in Thohoyandou on Wednesday (June 7).

Provincial Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Matimba Maluleke said Fidelity Security guards were about to load money into an ATM when they were ambushed by the armed men wearing balaclavas.

“The group of about 10 suspects were armed with rifles and pistols and fired several shots that left two security guards injured before they made off with an undisclosed amount of money,” his statement read.

Maluleke said two firearms belonging to the security guards were also taken during the robbery.

Video footage of the suspects fleeing the scene in a white single cab bakkie emerged online shortly after the robbery and Maluleke said the vehicle had no registration plates.

The video shows some of the suspects getting on to the back of the bakkie before shots are fired and the vehicle leaving the scene.

ANOTHER HEIST ‼️

Another CIT Heist in Venḓa in a space of a few days from the last. This time it occurred at the Venḓa Plaza in Ṱhohoyanḓou CBD! pic.twitter.com/mz3tG1yPLi

— Roṋewa Mathephe (@Ronewa_Mathephe) June 7, 2023

Thohoyandou
Venda Plaza, Limpopo:
Shootout near the Bank – Cash Van #CIT pic.twitter.com/hOxQwecTzk

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 7, 2023

During the robbery, two firearms belonging to the security guards were also taken. The suspects were allegedly using a white single cab Ford Ranger without registration plates as their getaway vehicle.

“Anyone with information that can assist the police in arresting the suspects is requested to contact the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Thohoyandou by calling Captain Phillip Makhani on 082 565 7842, Captain Bennie Siebe on 071 351 7277, the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.