The Serious Organised Crime investigation team of the Hawks based in East London has appealed for the public’s assistance to locate at least 20 cash-in-transit suspects.
In three white bakkies, the suspects had fired shots at an armoured vehicle until it lost control and rolled, landing on its roof, and was later blown up with explosives.
Eastern Cape provincial Hawks spokesperson Yolisa Mgolodela said: “It is alleged on March 8 at about 6pm a G4S security armoured vehicle (AV) was transporting money from Butterworth area back to East London. As the AV approached Ndabakazi turn-off, suspects in three white bakkies fired shots at the AV until it lost control and rolled, landing on the roof.
“The three guards were reportedly ordered to get out of the vehicle. They had their 3 X 9mm pistols robbed and the AV blown up with explosives. The guards are said to have sustained injuries during the incident.”
According to the Hawks, while the suspects were collecting an undisclosed amount of money, a police vehicle came across the scene where they came under fire from the suspects.
“A shoot-out ensued between the police and the suspects where one member was wounded. The suspects escaped the scene in the three Toyota bakkies. The three security guards and the injured member were taken to hospital in a stable condition.”
The Hawks have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects and contact D/W/O Mlumbi at 071 481 3009.
“Information received will be treated with strictest confidentiality. For any arrest that will lead to conviction due to the information will lead to the payment of a substantial amount to the whistle-blower,” Mgolodela said.