15 armed suspects torch cash van in Rustenburg ambush as police hunt gang after brazen CIT heist

Police are searching for a heavily armed gang following a coordinated cash-in-transit ambush in Old Geelhout Park, Rustenburg, North-West province.

The heist was pulled off by 15 heavily-armed suspects, shots were fired, guards were disarmed before they escaped with an disclosed sum of money.

The SAPS has since confirmed that the robbery occurred late on Monday afternoon (4.40pm) on Kremetart Street.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said security personnel were travelling in a cash-in-transit vehicle when a Toyota Fortuner travelling in the opposite direction collided with the driver’s side door.

“The impact forced the vehicle to stop, after which it was blocked by a Toyota Hilux Legend double-cab bakkie,” Myburgh said.

She said approximately 15 armed suspects allegedly overpowered the security officers and instructed them to unlock the doors. The guards were removed from the vehicle, dragged a short distance away and forced to lie face down on the ground.

Myburgh added that one armed guard was disarmed while the suspects gained access to the vehicle and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

“The suspects allegedly set alight both the cash-in-transit vehicle and the Toyota Fortuner used in the collision. Several shots were fired during the incident. The suspects fled the scene, and no injuries were reported,” she said.

Police confirmed that no arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.

The acting provincial commissioner of police in North West, Major General Ryno Naidoo, urged members of the public to report serious crimes immediately and warned that suspects linked to such incidents are dangerous and should not be confronted.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact their nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit tips anonymously via the MySaps App.

DAILY NEWS