Africa-Press – South-Africa. About 20 heavily armed men are on the run after Mpumalanga police thwarted an attempted cash-in-transit heist in Emalahleni on Monday night.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said a “gun battle” ensued after the robbers pounced on security guards who were driving in a cash van along the Kriel road.
“The suspects were driving in a convoy of vehicles: Three Ford Rangers (two silver and one white) as well as a white Toyota Hilux. They forcefully stopped the cash van and after [holding] the guards at gunpoint, they detonated some explosives and managed to open one of the cash boxes inside the van,” said Mohlala.
Members from Witbank Visible Policing who were patrolling nearby responded within minutes.
When they arrived on the scene, the robbers opened fire and a shootout ensued.
“The engagement was too heavy for the suspects, who realised that the [police officers] were not backing down. They had no choice but to flee the scene in their vehicles. No SA Police Service members were injured during the [shootout],” said Mohlala.
One of the security guards was seriously injured during the blast and was taken to hospital for treatment.
“Police are currently conducting an investigation on the scene, and it seems as if the suspects did not succeed in their mission.
“A case of cash-in-transit robbery has been opened, [as well as that of] attempted murder and contravention of the Explosives Act,” said Mohlala.
No arrest has been made yet.
Police urge anyone with information to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant General Daphney Manamela was impressed by the swift response of the law enforcement officials.
“We are closing in on all the spaces for criminals in this province. We want to continue to maintain our presence and ensure that this province is not a playground for perpetrators of crime. We are very proud of the calibre of members on the ground for the bravery that they continually display,” she said.
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