Gauteng Police Kill Three Suspected Cash-In-Transit Robbers In R80 Shootout

Three suspected cash-in-transit robbers were shot dead during a confrontation with Gauteng police on the R80 highway on Monday, while a fourth suspect was arrested. Police said the operation followed intelligence indicating that a group was allegedly preparing to carry out a robbery. The suspects were intercepted by a multidisciplinary team involving SAPS units, Gauteng Traffic Air Wing and private security partners.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, officers spotted a white Hyundai H1 travelling along the R80 and attempted to stop it. The occupants allegedly responded by opening fire at the police, prompting officers to return fire. Three suspects were fatally wounded during the ensuing shootout.

Gauteng Police R80 Shootout Leaves Three Suspected Robbers Dead

The Gauteng police R80 shootout followed an intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected cash-in-transit robbers. The team included members of the SAPS Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit and Gauteng Traffic Air Wing, alongside private security companies operating through Business Against Crime South Africa. Police said the operation was aimed at disrupting the planned robbery before it could take place.

Nevhuhulwi said officers activated their blue lights when they tried to bring the Hyundai H1 to a stop. “The occupants allegedly opened fire on the police, who responded, resulting in three suspects being fatally wounded,” she said.

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Police recovered two firearms from the Hyundai H1 following the shooting. An AK-47 rifle and a 9mm pistol were seized and will form part of the ongoing investigation. Forensic specialists were also deployed to process the scene and collect additional evidence.

R80 Cash-In-Transit Robbery Suspect Arrested With 9mm Pistol

The R80 cash-in-transit robbery investigation also resulted in the arrest of a fourth suspected accomplice. Police said the man was travelling separately in a Toyota Avanza when officers apprehended him. He was allegedly found carrying a 9mm pistol.

“One suspect believed to be working with the same team was travelling in a Toyota Avanza and was arrested and found in possession of a 9mm pistol,” Nevhuhulwi said.

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The firearms recovered during the operation will undergo ballistic testing as investigators work to determine whether they may have been used in other crimes. “The recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to establish whether they can be linked to other crimes,” Nevhuhulwi said. Police have not disclosed the identities of the suspects.

Gauteng Police Target Cash-In-Transit And Cross-Pavement Robberies

The Gauteng police operation forms part of continued efforts to tackle cash-in-transit robberies and cross-pavement robberies across the province. Major General Fred Kekana, Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, praised the multidisciplinary team following the confrontation. He commended the participating units and private security partners for their ongoing efforts to disrupt these crimes.

Investigators are continuing to process evidence from the scene, while the ballistic examination of the recovered firearms could assist police in establishing whether the weapons are connected to other cases. Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.