A suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery syndicate slipped through the police dragnet after an intelligence-led raid uncovered an arsenal of weapons and a hijacked luxury SUV at a property in Daveyton.
The operation was conducted on Wednesday night by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) working alongside the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the raid forms part of a broader investigation into suspects allegedly connected to a string of serious and violent crimes committed across Gauteng.
Following intelligence gathered by investigators, law enforcement teams swooped on the Daveyton property in a targeted operation.
During the search, officers confiscated seven rifles, a pistol, reflector jackets and a hijacked BMW X5.
“Upon searching the premises, police recovered seven rifles, one pistol, reflector jackets and a hijacked BMW X5,” Mathe said.
The suspected gang members were no longer at the property when police arrived, allowing them to evade arrest.
Police have since launched an intensive overnight manhunt to locate and apprehend the suspects.
“An overnight manhunt is currently underway to trace and arrest the known suspects who managed to evade arrest,” Mathe said.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane applauded the joint efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.
He said the successful raid demonstrates SAPS’ unwavering commitment to disrupting cash-in-transit robbery syndicates and tackling other violent criminal networks.
“This intelligence-driven operation is a clear indication that the SAPS remains resolute in its mission to combat cash-in-transit robberies and other serious and violent crimes,” Dimpane said.
He added that police have made substantial progress in dismantling CIT robbery syndicates and remain determined to bring those responsible to justice.
“We have made significant inroads in dismantling CIT syndicates, and we will continue to deal decisively with those who terrorise our communities and endanger the lives of innocent citizens,” he said.
Dimpane cautioned criminals involved in cash-in-transit robberies that law enforcement is steadily closing in on them.
He described CIT robberies as highly organised and violent offences that demand a coordinated response from policing agencies.
“Our intelligence capabilities continue to improve, and we are closing in on those responsible. We will hunt them down, arrest them and ensure they face the full might of the law,” Dimpane said.
Mathe said the investigation remains active, with police expecting further arrests as the search for the suspects continues.
