The Hawks have arrested two more suspects who were allegedly involved in the cash-in-transit heist in Nasrec, bringing the number of suspects arrested to four.
Luyanda Mzizi, 30, was arrested on August 12at the scene of the crime and Bongani Jele, 40, was arrested couple of days later. The incident happened on August 12 on Nasrec road where a CIT vehicle was ambushed and came under fire.
Four of the attackers- Vusumuzi Mosses Botile, 40, Sibongiseni Remember Hlengwa, 41, Mandlenkosi Freeman Zikhali, 42, Hector Sihle Buthelezi, 46, were killed during a gunfire exchange with the police.
According to South African Police Services (SAPS) the paid who were arrested have since appeared in the Johannesburg Regional Court on 23 August 2022 and their matter has been postponed to 31 August for bail application.
An investigation by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Crime Intelligence and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, revealed that the cash van was driving along Nasrec Road near Soweto when is suddenly came under attack.
“The driver reportedly managed to drive on until the cash van came to a standstill. Suspects allegedly robbed the security guards of their cellphones and one firearm before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.”
“The Johannesburg Flying Squad swiftly responded to the scene, the fleeing suspects were spotted in three vehicles, BMW, Nissan Navarra, and Toyota Fortuner. A gun battle ensued after the suspects shot at the police; four of the suspects were fatally wounded.”
The first two suspects appeared at the Johannesburg regional court and the matter was postponed to 31 August 2022. The additional suspects were expected to make a brief appearance in court on August 25.
All four face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearms and attempted murder.
Source: The Citizen, IOL, Sunday World, The South African, image from IOL: Matthews Baloyi