Two suspects, who were linked to a cash-in-transit robbery in Verulam, were shot dead in a shootout with police in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg.
Image: File
Two suspects linked to Monday’s brazen cash-in-transit robbery in Verulam were shot and fatally wounded during a shootout with police in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Edendale, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the suspects were cornered at a house in the Nhlazatshe area of Shayamoya, Edendale in Pietermaritzburg, following an intelligence-driven operation.
The confrontation comes less than 24 hours after at least 12 armed suspects ambushed a cash delivery vehicle at the corner of Jabu Ngcobo and Fairview roads in Verulam on Monday afternoon.
Police said during the robbery, the suspects allegedly forced the truck to a halt and disarmed security personnel, making off with three firearms and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Private security company, Reaction Unit South Africa said its Reaction Officers had responded to the robbery in progress and engaged in a shootout with the armed suspects, who fled the scene. RUSA later recovered three firearms - a rifle and two pistols after an aerial search by helicopter.
Netshiunda said that in the early hours of Tuesday morning, officers received intelligence indicating that some of the suspects involved in the Verulam robbery were hiding in Edendale.
“The intelligence was put into operation and when police arrived at the house in which the suspects were hiding, a shootout ensued between police and the suspects,” said Netshiunda.
Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded during the exchange of fire. A third suspect managed to evade arrest and remains at large.
At the scene, police recovered three firearms, two rifles and a handgun, along with several rounds of ammunition.
Investigators also found a VW Polo believed to have been used in the commission of the cash-in-transit robbery. In addition, a bakkie fitted with different number plates was discovered in the garage, raising suspicions that it may have been used to facilitate criminal activities.
“No police officer was injured during the shootout and the search for the remaining suspects is ongoing,” the statement confirmed.
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Two suspects, who were linked to a cash-in-transit robbery in Verulam, were shot dead in a shootout with police in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg.
Image: File