Five CIT Robbers Killed In Shootout With Police After Brazen Heist

In a brazen heist early Monday morning, a group of armed robbers ambushed an SBV armoured vehicle travelling from East London to Stutterheim. The attack occurred on the N6 near Macleantown at around 6am, resulting in a fierce shootout.

According to Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, spokesperson for the Hawks, three guards were injured when the armoured vehicle landed on its side during the attack. An SBV escort vehicle was also fired upon during this violent encounter.

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The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, abandoning three stolen vehicles that were later recovered by the police. The Hawks also found explosives at the scene. A few hours later, a lead directed the investigation team to a homestead in Kom Location, Keiskammahoek.

Upon arrival, the team was met with a hail of bullets from the suspects, leading to a retaliatory shootout where five robbers were fatally wounded. The police seized cash, AK-47 rifles, R5 rifles, and live ammunition from the scene. A 58-year-old man, believed to be the homeowner, was arrested and is due to appear in the King William’s Town Magistrate’s Court soon.

The investigation extended to a chase and subsequent arrest of three men travelling in a Porsche SUV with GP registration between Queenstown and Cradock. Despite a roadblock attempt, the vehicle failed to stop, leading to a chase and eventual apprehension.

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The police seized stacks of R100 and R200 notes in original cash bags, four cellphones, and the stolen Porsche Cayenne vehicle during the arrest. The three suspects, aged between 44 and 48, will face charges in the Cradock Magistrate’s Court this Thursday.

Provincial head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya praised the swift action of the law enforcement teams, expressing his satisfaction with the successful apprehensions.