Thokozile Mnguni
They thought they had got away with a daring cash-in-transit heist. But within hours, police were on their trail. Two suspected robbers were arrested, and stolen cash was recovered after a rapid intelligence-led operation in Welkom.
The robbery unfolded at a Cash and Carry store in Welkom on Saturday at about 12:40.
Free State police said security officers were collecting money from the store when they were confronted by six armed suspects. The robbers forced the guards to lie on the ground before ordering them to open the cash van.
The suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money, three firearms belonging to the security officers, bulletproof vests and a hand radio.
Following the robbery, Crime Intelligence gathered information on the suspects’ whereabouts and mobilised members of the Tactical Response Team and the Public Order Policing unit.
Acting on the information, police tracked the suspects to a house in Welkom at around 15:00.
A shootout erupted when officers arrived at the property. Some of the suspects managed to escape, but two men wanted in connection with cash-in-transit robberies were arrested.
Police also recovered an undisclosed amount of the stolen money and other items linked to the robbery.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Solomon Lesia praised the multidisciplinary team for the swift breakthrough.
“These arrests demonstrate the importance of intelligence-led policing and coordinated operational responses,” he said.
“We commend all members involved for their bravery and commitment,” added Lesia.
Lesia said the suspects who managed to escape arrest were being pursued and that it was only a matter of time before they were brought to justice.
The two suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of armed robbery, attempted murder and possession of suspected stolen property.