Four suspects have been detained by the South African Police Service (SAPS) after they were allegedly involved in a cash-in-transit robbery in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
Nasrec cash-in-transit heist: Here’s what we know
According to The Citizen, police first arrested Luyanda Mzizi at the scene of the crime on Friday, 12 August 2022. The same police officers arrested Bongani Jele a day later.
The pair last appeared in court on Tuesday, 23 August 2022, in Johannesburg Regional Court. The case has since been postponed to Wednesday, 31 August 2022, to allow for a bail application.
An investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Crime Intelligence, and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department revealed that the driver of the cash-in-transit vehicle was driving along Nasrec Road with his crew when they suddenly found themselves under gunfire from unknown suspects.
The Johannesburg Flying Squad intercepted the getaway car, and a gun battle ensued after the suspects shot at the police.
Four suspects, Vusumuzi Mosses Botile, Sibongiseni Remember Hlengwa, Mandlenkosi Freeman Zikhali, and Hector Sihle Buthelezi, died in the shootout.
The suspects managed to rob the security guards of their cellphones and firearms before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money.
Hawks, Crime Intelligence, and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police made two additional arrests on Monday, 15 August 2022. This brings the total number of suspects to four.
The additional suspects were expected to make their first court appearance on Thursday, 25 August 2022.
All four face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearms, and attempted murder.