Police officer killed by cash-in-transit gang – manhunt launched

A police officer was allegedly shot and killed by a group of suspects that targeted a cash-in-transit vehicle in the Free State on Friday morning, 4 February. Another officer and three security guards were wounded in the attack.

POLICE OFFICER KILLED

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said a cash van was travelling along the R57 – from Vanderbijlpark to Sasolburg – when it came under fire from a group of heavily armed men.
When police officers responded to the incident, which took place at approximately 9:45, they were met by a hail of bullets. Mathe said the suspects were using at least four vehicles.
An officer attached to the Sedibeng Tactical Response Team (TRT) was fatally wounded “in a crossfire involving the suspects,” said the spokesperson.
Another officer and three security guards were also injured in the attack. They were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash in a white Toyota Fortuner and a red Hyundai SUV.
National Commissioner Khehla Sitole has instituted a 72-hour activation plan in order to hunt down the suspects.
Sitole and the police management also offered their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

“As such the public who may have witnessed this incident and or know the whereabouts of these suspects are encouraged to report to their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop Hotline number on 08600-10111,” said Mathe