Three suspects were shot and killed and seven arrested after they were intercepted by police officers before attempting to rob a cash-in-transit vehicle on the N2 at Staffords Post near Harding, in KwaZulu Natal, police said in a statement on Friday.
South African Police Services spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, said the incident occurred on Friday morning at around 06:30 am.“Police units stationed in close proximity responded and intercepted the three vehicles which were a Ford Territory SUV, a Toyota Hilux Legend and a BMW sedan.“Information indicated that the suspects were going to rob the armoured vehicle which was transporting money along with that route. When confronted by police, the suspects opened fire on police officers who immediately retaliated to defend themselves.” Gwala said during the exchange of gunfire, one of the seven men who was arrested was wounded and taken to hospital for medical attention.
“Police managed to prevent the robbery of the cash-in-transit vehicle. A total of four AK 47 rifles, a 9mm pistol and additional rifle was seized by police.”
KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, condemned the attack on police officers. “We are grateful that our police officers were not killed or injured following this shoot-out with highly armed criminals, even though our SAPS vehicles were damaged in the process. We are also relieved that through the speedy and precise actions of the police officers involved, these dangerous criminals were arrested,” he said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
