Coordinated Police Work Nets Suspect in Rustenburg Cash-in-Transit Heist

In a crucial victory for South African law enforcement, the diligent efforts of several police units culminated in the arrest of a suspect following a brazen cash-in-transit (CIT) heist in Rustenburg. This operation is part of a broader push under the Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela, aimed at combatting violent robberies that plague communities during high-activity periods.

The incident unfolded late in the afternoon on Monday, 11 November 2024, when suspects in a white Mercedes Benz deliberately rammed a security vehicle on the R104 road near Kroondal. Despite efforts by the security personnel to escape the assault, they were ultimately forced to halt amid gunfire. Under threat, the two security officers were disarmed of their 9mm pistols before the robbers detonated explosives to access cash and escape the scene with an unknown amount of money.

Fortunately, the security officers involved in the harrowing event emerged unscathed, reinforcing the relentless dangers faced by those in the CIT industry and the importance of adept security measures.

Pervasive intelligence work led the police to Kagiso near Krugersdorp, where a Toyota Quantum was found and impounded, believed to have been used in shuttling the perpetrators between Gauteng and North West province. Subsequent police work took them to Tlhabane, a stone's throw from Rustenburg, where a female suspect in her forties was apprehended. With the Rustenburg Flying Squad's help, she was arrested in connection to possessing potentially stolen or hijacked vehicles.

Authorities seized a Toyota bakkie, reported stolen in Bloemfontein, and a Volkswagen Tiguan, said to be hijacked in Boitekong. Both vehicles are being investigated for their use in the commission of the CIT robbery. The suspect is set to face legal proceedings at the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court.

In the wake of the arrest, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Police Commissioner, commended the members for their unyielding efforts and collaborative approach. General Kwena also emphasized the need for public cooperation in preserving crime scenes and appealed to witnesses to step forward with any information that could further assist in the investigation.

The cracking of this case shows a snapshot of the broader initiative to secure social safety and combat criminal networks that become particularly active during times of public festivity. It underlines the police force's commitment to decreasing crime rates and the importance of intelligence-led policing.

This incident is a reminder of the critical role community members play in assisting law enforcement, and the lasting impact of their vigilance and cooperation can have on ensuring public safety.