Authorities in Gauteng are on high alert as they launch a massive manhunt for armed robbers who targeted a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) vehicle, making off with an undisclosed amount of cash at Cash Build Hardware in Orange Farm, opposite Eyethu Mall. The incident occurred in the morning of Wednesday, 11 October, when two G4S security personnel were in the process of collecting funds at the business location.
According to information provided by the SAPS spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe, one of the security guards had entered the premises to collect the cash when they were suddenly confronted by an armed suspect inside the building. A scuffle ensued, during which the suspect tragically shot the security guard three times in the leg, left arm, and head causing fatal injuries.
In response to this horrifying act, the authorities have opened cases of murder, robbery, and attempted murder to facilitate a thorough investigation. The suspects made off with an entire bag of cash that the security guard had been carrying and swiftly left the scene.
This happened while another suspect was positioned outside the building, maintaining a lookout and equipped with an AK-47 rifle. This suspect opened fire on the driver’s side of the CIT van, which was parked outside the business. Fortunately, the driver remained unharmed and managed to drive the vehicle to safety, eventually reaching the Grasmere toll gate. At the crime scene, authorities discovered eight AK-47 cartridges and three 9mm cartridges, bearing witness to the intensity of the exchange.
The suspects fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Polo sedan which had no vehicle registration.
“Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area, which is expected to play a crucial role in tracking down and apprehending the suspects. In response to this incident, the Sedibeng Flying Squad, K9 units, and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) were activated to monitor all potential exit routes with the aim of apprehending the suspects outside,”Mathe told Orange Farm News.
The exact amount of cash taken by the suspects has not been disclosed by authorities.
Police urge the local community to collaborate with them in combating criminal activities by promptly reporting any suspicious incidents and providing information that may assist in the ongoing investigations.
Concerned citizens can contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 to share details or submit tips through the MySapsApp, a downloadable smartphone application. All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality as the search for the suspects intensifies.
