Hawks Arrest Two Suspects Linked to Fidelity Armoured Vehicle Robbery in Eastern Cape

A coordinated swoop by South Africa's Hawks and support teams has led to the arrest of two suspects connected with a high-stakes cash-in-transit heist near Herschel, Eastern Cape. In a startling turn of events, a Fidelity armoured vehicle became the target of a carefully orchestrated armed robbery that culminated in a dramatic shootout and the use of explosives.

On the 8th of July, 2024, Luyanda Adonisi, 45, and Lucky Tiso, 63, allegedly took part in halting the security vehicle and absconding with an undisclosed sum of money. This bold heist, which occurred along the R58 road, sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted immediate action from law enforcement.

The subsequent pursuit was an exhibition of interagency collaboration at its finest, with the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team spearheading the response, backed by the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Farmers Association, Queenstown Crime Intelligence (CI), the mounted patrol from Barkley East, the K9 Unit, and the Public Order Policing unit from Aliwal North.

In a swift joint operation, Adonisi and Tiso were apprehended. Adonisi was caught behind the wheel of a Toyota Hilux, and Tiso in a Ford Ranger; both vehicles are believed to be connected to the robbery. Added to the gravity of the situation is the suspected involvement of one of the individuals in a previous kidnapping case currently under the purview of the Hawks.

The suspects were presented to the Sterkspruit Magistrates Court on July 10th, just two days post-incident. With the weight of charges including possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, aggravated robbery, and possession of stolen vehicles against them, both men were remanded in custody. They are scheduled for a follow-up appearance on July 20, 2024, as the Hawks pursue further avenues in their investigation.

The efforts of the authorities have drawn commendation from none other than the Eastern Cape Hawks Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya. General Ngwenya has not only hailed the swift action of the various law enforcement units but also emphasized the critical role of community associations in such operations.

This intensive manhunt and the consequent arrests serve as a stark reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice by South African authorities and their commitment to community safety.