File
Eastern Cape police arrested seven suspects they believe were coming to the province to commit cash-in-transit robberies.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the arrests were made on Wednesday by members of Provincial Crime Intelligence and the National Intervention Unit from Mthatha.
She said they were acting on a tip-off that the suspects were in the Eastern Cape travelling in a Toyota Quantum.
Naidu said the vehicle’s movements were closely monitored before police pounced at Centane, and arrested the seven who are aged 42 and 58.
“Investigators are busy probing their possible involvement in other cases in the Eastern Cape.
“One suspect was wanted for a theft of motor vehicle case in Butterworth and is possibly linked to another cash-in-transit in Mthatha in June 2023.
“Another suspect aged 47 years old was out on bail for a cash-in-transit robbery committed in Tsolo in October 2018,” Naidu said.
She said a commercial explosive, a vehicle, and ten cell phones were confiscated.
“The suspects are detained on a charge of possession of explosives. Additional charges may be added as the investigation unfolds.
“They are expected to appear in court soon,” Naidu said.
Provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthethelele Mene welcomed the arrests, saying they will work with other provinces to establish any possible links to cash-in-transit robberies there.
