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

This success follows intelligence led information gathered by Witbank Crime Intelligence on December 19 that indicated a potential robbery planned by a group of heavily armed men.

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

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

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.

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,” said provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

Mdhluli said 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 today’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 Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi.