Roodepoort, West Rand, became the epicentre of a high-stakes confrontation when a wanted suspect, known for orchestrating cash-in-transit (CIT) heists, was fatally shot by police.
Roodepoort police take out cash-in-transit kingpin in daring shootout
The dramatic shootout ensued after the suspect, who had recently made a daring escape from police custody in Parys, Free State, was cornered by law enforcement.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, had been a major target for police following his escape in December 2023.
He was notorious for his involvement in a series of high-profile CIT robberies, including a significant heist in Bronkhorstspruit.
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During the Bronkhorstspruit incident, the suspect, along with his accomplices, had ambushed an armoured vehicle, using heavy artillery and explosives.
The heist resulted in the theft of a substantial amount of cash and was a key focus of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
Four of his associates involved in this heist were later sentenced to 30 years imprisonment each, highlighting the severity of their crimes.
In Roodepoort, the shootout with police marked the end of a widespread manhunt for the suspect. During the operation, an illegal firearm was seized, further linking the suspect to the criminal activities for which he was sought.
