18 Suspected Robbers Killed in Shootout with Police in South Africa
Police in South Africa have reported that 18 suspected robbers were killed during a shootout in Limpopo province. The suspects were believed to be planning a cash truck heist, also known as a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist, and were responsible for similar crimes in other provinces. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola made the announcement on Friday from the crime scene in South Africa’s northernmost province.
“We do believe this syndicate has been involved in a number of CITs in this province, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng,” Masemola told reporters. The shootout lasted about 90 minutes and resulted in one police officer being seriously injured.
According to police, an investigation into the suspects’ activities began in January with the assistance of the country’s intelligence unit. Once police approached their location, the suspects began firing, prompting law enforcement to retaliate. Sixteen males and two females were declared dead at the scene of the shootout.
Masemola emphasized that the intention of the police was “to arrest them before they go out and commit the crime.” The incident highlights the high crime rate in South Africa, particularly the prevalence of cash truck heists. Last year, 10 suspects died during a cash-in-transit shootout with police, and in May, Police Minister Bheki Cele noted a “stubborn increase” in such robberies, with 64 cases reported during the first three months of the year.
The country’s crime statistics, presented by the minister every quarter, have consistently shown an upward trend in recent months, contributing to South Africa’s status as one of the world’s highest crime rate countries. In response, police have vowed to clamp down on serious and violent crimes throughout the nation.
In addition to the 18 suspects killed during the shootout, four individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged cash truck robbery plan. Masemola revealed that the suspects had an explosive device ready for use, further indicating their intentions to target a cash depot in the province. The suspects planned to transport the stolen money to Gauteng province using an ambulance.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by South Africa in combatting crime, particularly cash truck heists, and highlights the dedication of law enforcement to protect citizens and prevent further criminal activity.