A cash-in-transit heist involving a group of armed suspects occurred outside the Lemo Mall in Mangaung on Saturday. The incident happened at approximately 13:30, when a security vehicle was intercepted by the suspects in a BMW.
The police, through their various units and private security personnel, responded swiftly to the scene. A shoot-out ensued – no one was injured.
The SAPS deployed more boots on the ground to support the detectives in tracing the suspects. Seven suspects were detected at different places around Mangaung where they were hiding and were apprehended. The items recovered by the team during this operation are: the money suspected to have been looted during the incident; two firearms, an AK-47 rifle and a pistol; 30 rounds of ammunition; and two cars.
The public is cautioned to refrain from rushing into scenes of this nature, as it was seen in many circulating video clips. This conduct is not only a danger to their safety, but might also land them in trouble. During the collection of evidence at the scene, there might be forensic evidence that might place such an individual on the scene even though they were not as such involved in the commission of a crime.
The police appeal to those with information that can be of assistance in this matter to rather provide such information by contacting Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or to anonymously do so through the My SAPS app.
“The safety of our communities remains our top priority, and we will continue to work tirelessly to combat any criminal activity in this province,” said the provincial commissioner Lt Gen. Baile Motswenyane.
