Manhunt launched for CIT suspects after SAPS seize rifles, pistol and hijacked vehicle in East Rand raid
South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) have launched a manhunt for suspects linked to a suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery gang after an intelligence-driven operation in Daveyton led to the recovery of seven rifles, one pistol, reflector jackets and a hijacked BMW X5.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday evening after Gauteng SAPS, working closely with intelligence structures and detectives, identified a group believed to be involved in a number of serious and violent crimes across the province.
Police descended on a suspected safe house in Daveyton, where the firearms and a stolen vehicle were recovered. Several suspects managed to escape, prompting an overnight search operation to locate and arrest them.
National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the recovery of the firearms and vehicle is a major breakthrough in disrupting organised criminal activity.
"This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the importance of collaboration between SAPS and our law enforcement partners. We believe we have disrupted a group that was preparing to commit serious and violent crimes."
Mathe says investigators are now working to establish whether the recovered firearms have been used in previous crimes.
"The firearms will undergo ballistic testing as part of the ongoing investigation to determine whether they are linked to other cash-in-transit robberies and serious offences committed in Gauteng or elsewhere."
She says the manhunt for the outstanding suspects is continuing, with police teams working to bring those involved to justice.
"Our members are on the ground following up on leads and tracing the suspects who managed to evade arrest. We will continue applying pressure on these criminal networks and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law."
Acting national Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has warned criminals involved in CIT robberies that law enforcement agencies are strengthening efforts to dismantle syndicates behind these violent crimes.
"Cash-in-transit robberies are highly organised and violent crimes that require a coordinated response from law enforcement. Our intelligence capabilities continue to improve, and we are closing in on those responsible. We will hunt them down, arrest them and ensure they face the full might of the law."
Investigations remain ongoing, with SAPS confirming that more arrests are expected as the manhunt intensifies.
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