The suspected brains behind the operation, a reservist, owner of a security company, and building manager of a shopping centre in Die Heuwel appeared in Witbank Magistrates Court alongside his girlfriend – an employee at SBV Witbank, her brother and another suspect, facing charges of armed robbery and attempted murder on Thursday, May 8.
The armed robbery took place on April 27. The Hawks, in conjunction with the SBV made the first four arrests early Wednesday morning when they raided the alleged mastermind’s home in Del Judor and recovered R6 000, illegal ammunition, police blue lights, two bullet-proof vests and certifying stamps.
“They were swift in tracking and tracing these suspects. The team will not rest until all suspects are behind bars,” said Lt-Gen Anwa Dramat, National Hawks head, who congratulated the Hawks and SVB for their joint investigation leading to the arrests.
Police were informed that man had hidden a large sum of money in the vacant shops at the shopping centre in Die Heuwel, R600 000 was recovered.
The suspect’s girlfriend, and her brother were both arrested, they lead police to Carolina where police were able to recover another R990 000 which was hidden in a metal container in the yard and in a washing machine.
On Friday May 9, a further three suspects were arrested; they appeared in court on Monday May 12, also charged with armed robbery and attempted murder.
The man, his girlfriend and her brother will make their second appearance on May 15, in Witbank Magistrates Court.
“We will route out corruption with an iron fist, we request the public to continue giving us information regarding corruption within the Witbank policing precinct, the public can call the national anti-corruption hotline number 0800 701 701 to report corruption,” said Brig Sifusiso Cele, Witbank Police.
The SBV robbery was recorded as South Africa’s second largest armed robbery which took place in Klipfontein, eMalahleni. – Surpassed only by the armed robbery at OR Tambo International Airport in which R106 Million was stolen. The R1million reward is still on the table for any information leading to the arrests of the suspects involved as well as the recovery of the stolen money.
The armed robbery which left four guards hospitalised has raised a lot of concerns and has the police’s undivided attention on the matter.
