By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Five suspected cash-in-transit robbers have been killed in a shootout with police in Ridgeview near Chesterville, Kwazulu/Natal (KZN).
KZN police spokersperson Robert Netshiunda said police were conducting an intelligence-led operation and gathered information that the suspects were planning to commit another cash in transit robbery in the vicinity of the iLembe District in the northern parts of KZN.
“Police visibility in the area disturbed the suspects’ mission and intelligence located the suspects in Ridgeview.
Police identified the suspects’ vehicle and as they approached it, the suspects opened fire on the police and a shootout ensued,” he said.
He added that during the shootout, all five suspects died on the scene and four firearms were found in their possession.
“The suspects were from the Gauteng province and one of them is believed to be a kingpin who was behind several cash in transit robberies around the country. The operation continues in search of other suspects,” said Netshiunda.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has commended crime intelligence members for tracing suspects.
Mkhwanazi says the deceased suspects were planning another heist in the north of Durban, but their plans have been thwarted by the police.
“The team was waiting for them to go and do another heist in another district north of Durban. Fortunately, because of police operations in the area with stop and searches and road blocks and the likes, this was a distraction for them and they decided to cancel it today, and they were going to plan it for another day. Fortunately for the team, we were able to get them,” added Mkhwanazi.