By Staff Reporter
HOEDSPRUIT– The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members have arrested three suspects aged between 28 and 52 who allegedly ambushed and robbed a G4S armoured vehicle near Hoedspruit on Wednesday, September 20.
It is alleged that on the date (20 September 2023) at about 16:00 the G4S armoured vehicle together with its escort vehicle were driving near Hoedspruit when they were suddenly ambushed by the suspected armed robbers who were driving in three vehicles (White Toyota Fortuner, White Ford Focus and White Toyota Hilux).
The suspected robbers allegedly started shooting at the escort vehicle until it came to a standstill and they disarmed the guards (Driver and crew) with their official rifles and pistols.
Unfortunately, the two guards were shot at and sustained injuries that resulted in the death of the driver.
It is further alleged that the armed robbers pursued the armoured vehicle while shooting at it until it stopped. The driver of the armoured vehicle and his crew were allegedly ordered to disembark the vehicle, disarmed two firearms and chased into the nearby bushes.
The suspects allegedly used the explosives to blast the armoured vehicle and made off with an undisclosed amount of money. The Hoedspruit Farmwatch was activated and spotted the suspects’ vehicles driving towards Hoedspruit.
In an attempt to stop the suspects’ vehicles, they put obstacles on the road that forced their vehicles to stop.
It is further reported that the suspects started shooting at members of Hoedspruit Farmwatch who in self-defence retaliated. During the shootout, four suspects were killed and one was injured and arrested on the spot.
The other suspects ran into the nearby bushes and vanished. In the early hours of Thursday, 21 September 2023, fleeing suspects were traced with the assistance of the Hoedspruit Farmwatch dogs and chopper until they were caught in a taxi that was travelling to Acornhoek and arrested.
The two injured suspects were found in possession of suspected stolen money.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members were summoned to the scene. While processing the scene, an undisclosed amount of cash, one assault rifle and other firearms were seized.
The three (30) injured suspects are under police guard in hospital and they will make their first court appearance soon.
The Hawks are still searching for the outstanding suspects. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects can contact Colonel Motle on 079 886 6618 or contact the nearest police station.
