By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service ( SAPS) General Fannie Masemola says police have broken the back of a syndicate possibly responsible for a number of Cash-In-Transit (CIT) heists in Limpopo , Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, various units within the SAPS had been keeping an observation on a group of suspects who were allegedly planing a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) heist in Limpopo.
Mathe said the observation was made for a number of days before they pounced on an identified address in Makhado today.
“As soon as police approached the address, the group of suspects began shooting and police retaliated. Sixteen males and two females were declared dead at the scene,” she said.
At a second address in Thohoyandou, the police arrested four suspects.
Ten vehicles including several high powered performance vehicles and seven automatic rifles have been seized.
“Various policing experts are still combing the scene.
A senior police officer attached to the DPCI was wounded during the shoot out and is currently receiving medical care in hospital,” said Mathe.
Masemola led a delegation of senior police officers to the crime scene this afternoon. He said the police were clamping down on serious and violent crimes throughout the country.
“We continue to heighten police visibility throughout the country. Many thanks to the team who has worked hard to stamp the authority of the state.
“We wish the injured member a speedy recovery. We do believe this syndicate has been involved in a number of CITs in this province, Mpumalanga and Gauteng,” said Masemola.
The National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said this is a culmination of a major investigation that began as early as January this year.
“Limpopo and Mpumalanga joined forces in addressing the syndicate that was identified based on several follow ups that were made by the team.
“So indeed, we do believe we have the suspects that we have been following. Further investigations will continue to ascertain other crimes that the group may have perpetrated. A speedy recovery to the DPCI Officer,” said Lebeya.
The teams involved in foiling the planned CIT included the DPCI National Priority Violent Crime Desk, Mpumalanga DPCI Head Office Tactical Operations Management Services, Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Special Task Force, and Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit.
